Edmonton police are now investigating an alleged assault against a gay University of Alberta student as a hate crime, according to a statement released by Edmonton Police July 23.
Police say Chevi Rabbit, 26, was targeted in the assault and robbery because of his sexual orientation. Rabbit reported that he was walking from his residence to a grocery store off Whyte Avenue when three male suspects drove by and made “disparaging” comments about Rabbit’s sexual orientation, the statement said.
Rabbit said “thank you” in response to the slurs and continued to walk away, Rabbit wrote in a Facebook status update.
One of the suspects left the vehicle and assaulted Rabbit from behind, Rabbit wrote. The assault caused Rabbit to stumble and drop his iPhone. The suspect stole the phone when witness came to help. The man ran back to the car and fled the area, the police statement said.
The men present during the assault are the same men who made derogatory remarks to him about his sexuality only a few days prior, Rabbit wrote on his Facebook page.
“It’s unfortunate this ‘Gay Hate Crime’ happened but I am going to continue living the way I have always lived, openly gay,” Rabbit wrote.
Friends posted well-wishes and messages of support to Rabbit’s Facebook page following news of the attack. One supporter wrote, “It is stories where our protagonist comes out on top demanding their deserved respect by standing up for what they believe in no matter what.”
“Today you were a voice for the LGBT community. All those haters did was make your voice more heard,” another wrote.
Police are looking for a silver 2000 Acura 3.2TL with a spoiler and no charges have been laid, according to Edmonton Police Service.
“I hope that the news articles bring more light to LGBTQ community people that need a voice. Being discriminated is unacceptable regardless of race, sexuality and beliefs. We all deserve [to] work and live safely in our communities,” Rabbit wrote.
