News (USA)

Denver man needs reconstructive surgery following alleged anti-gay attack

Denver man needs reconstructive surgery following alleged anti-gay attack

DENVER — Police in Denver are investigating an assault on a gay man over the holiday weekend in what the victim said was an anti-gay hate crime.

Jared Olson before and after he was badly beaten on Sept. 2.

Jared Olson, 23, said he and a friend were leaving Sam’s Hookah Lounge in Denver around 2 a.m. Monday when they were approached by a group of people in the parking lot yelling gay slurs. Olson said one man got particularly aggressive.

“He kept asking ‘What are you looking at faggot’ and he walked to my door, pulled my door open, and hit me in the face,” Olson said. “My clothes when I went to the hospital were covered in blood.”

“I don’t have a doubt in my mind they had a problem with us being gay,” he said.

Olson is recovering from fractures in his face and other injuries. He says he will need reconstructive surgery, which could cost approximately $50,000.

Watch a report from KCNC-TV:

Friends and supporters have created a Facebook page called Justice for Jared, which is following his recovery and the criminal investigation of his attack.

Police say once their investigation is complete, the district attorney’s office will determine whether the incident is classified as a hate crime.

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