One of three suspects in an antigay hate crime that
occurred early Sunday on Long Island in New York told police, “God made me hate gay people.”

Robert Bellamy Jr., 23 (pictured), is the only suspect apprehended thus far in the beating of two men, one of whom was dressed in drag — possibly for Halloween, police said — in Lakeview in Nassau County. The other two suspects are still at large.

Bellamy, who was charged with robbery and assault as a hate crime, blamed his alleged actions on a directive from a higher power, according to Newsday. 

“Bellamy told police, ‘God made me hate gay people,’ court records show,” Newsday reported.

Police said the assailants shouted an antigay slur and then kicked and beat the two men, who were targeted because of their perceived sexual orientation. The attackers stole $7 from one of the victims. The victims suffered cuts and bruises.