Spokane police arrest two men in assault on homeless transgender woman

SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane police say detectives have arrested two men in connection with an assault on a homeless transgender woman.

Police said Tuesday that a 45-year-old man was arrested for investigation of second-degree assault and malicious harassment in the Friday night beating. A 43-year-old man was arrested for investigation of malicious harassment.

Police say the investigation continues.

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About 150 people attended Monday night’s city council meeting in Spokane, many of them at the request of the Human Rights Commission to show support for a transgender woman.

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Many called for better training for police after an incident Friday night in which a homeless transgender woman was assaulted by two men who had been drinking at a bar. The victim said police were disrespectful and referred to her as a man.

A police spokeswoman told The Spokesman-Review reports the incident, including the behavior of the officers is under investigation.

Police released surveillance photos of the suspected attackers Tuesday.