New York: Arrest in McDonald’s anti-trans attack case

Sep 25 2012
Written by Scott Roberts

Police investigating last week’s hate attack at a fast food restaurant in Manhattan have arrested a man

The incident occurred at 7pm Wednesday at a McDonald’s on West 3rd Street in the city’s Greenwich village.

According to New York’s ABC 7 Eyewitness News, the victim, 24-year-old Jamar McLeod, was attacked by a man who reportedly made homophobic slurs about his transgender girlfriend, Jaslisa Griffin.

It’s claimed the violence was sparked because Ms Griffin used a women’s toilet.

A verbal argument ensued following the comments, and that’s when police say 44-year-old Keith Patron pulled out a razor blade and slashed Mr McLeod on the elbow, face, back and neck.

He now has permanent scars.

Mr Patron has been charged with assault as a hate crime.

It is the same restaurant that was the scene of an anti-gay attack in 2011, when dancer Damian Furtch was brutally beaten by two men.

He reported the attack to police and posted disturbing images on his Facebook page showing severe cuts and bruising to his face.

The management of the restaurant say they now increased security.