Transgender man attacked after Seattle event for Orlando

  • By Wire Service
  • Tuesday, June 28, 2016 1:18pm
  • Local News

Associated Press

SEATTLE — Seattle police are working with the FBI to investigate an attack on a transgender man who was beaten after leaving a fundraiser for victims of the Orlando mass shooting.

The Wednesday night attack happened in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood just before midnight.

According to the police department’s online blotter, the attacker said, “Hey, Happy Pride” before punching the man in the face. The victim was left unconscious after being grabbed by the throat and assaulted further.

Police say the man drove home after regaining consciousness. A friend drove the victim to the hospital and called police.

Seattle Police Chief Kathleen O’Toole said she was disgusted by what she is calling a “hateful attack.” Police are asking for the public’s help in finding the white man in his 20s who was the attacker.

Danni Askini, the executive director of the Gender Justice League, told The Seattle Times the assault victim is Michael Volz, a social worker and a former King County employee who was instrumental in creating the King County Transgender Resource Guide.

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