D.C. Police Search for Attackers in Brutal Gay Bashing

Police in Washington, D.C., are searching for the assailants in an unprovoked attack against two gay men.

The incident occurred on 10th St., N.W., near the U Street Corridor, a popular nightlife and entertainment district, at around 12:31 a.m. Sunday, reports the Washington Blade.

The victims had reportedly just left a gay bar when three African-American men in their early 20s began hurling homophobic slurs, and kicking and beating them. The attackers broke one victim's nose and shattered his teeth; they gave the other a concussion.

The brutal attack was recorded in a video posted to Twitter. In it, the attackers assault the men and run off. Afterward, two Good Samaritans come to the aid of one of the men, who appeared to have been knocked unconscious to the ground. The victims were later treated for their injuries at a nearby hospital.

A source for the Blade identified the victims as Michael Creason and Zack Link, 20-something residents of D.C. who work as sign language interpreters.

Police are seeking information related to the attack, which may yet be classified as a hate crime. "For this particular case, we have information to suggest that some homophobic slurs were used during the course of the assault," said Chief Peter Newsham, reports WTOP, a local radio station. "If it is a hate crime, we'll bring that charge once we bring the person into custody."

Hate crimes have been on the rise in the nation's capital. The city reported 66 in 2015 and 107 in 2016. Statistics from 2017 are still pending, but there are at least 163, according to the Metropolitan Police Department.

Anyone with information related to this crime should call (202) 727-9099 or text 50411. A reward of $1,000 is offered if the tip leads to a conviction. Watch a video with images of the attackers below.