Hate-Crime Charges
Filed in Seattle Attack

Prosecutors in Seattle have filed hate crime charges against a man who allegedly assaulted another bus rider while making anti-gay comments.

Abiazzizi I. Idris, 18, was charged with second-degree attempted robbery and malicious harassment, which is the hate-crimes statute, in the March 10 attack.

Authorities say Idris was riding on a Metro bus in Seattle when he slapped another passenger in the back of the head. He then asked, using a derogatory term, whether the man was gay.

When the victim left the bus moments later, according to police, Idris and an associate followed him. Idris approached again, telling the man that homosexuality violates his religion. The man denied that he was gay, at which point Idris grabbed him, and demanded $10 and his cell phone before he would let him go, authorities say.

Police responded and arrested Idris after a local merchant witnessed the attack and called 911.

The sexual orientation of the victim is not noted in court documents. Idris remains in jail on $50,000 bail.