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Spring Break
Shattered by Antigay Attack in Oregon
Two gay nursing students from Washington State were attacked on Saturday night during their spring-break trip to the Oregon coast.
Two gay nursing students from Washington State were attacked on Saturday night during their spring-break trip to the Oregon coast.
The men, both 22, told KOMO News in Seattle that they left a campfire to walk along the beach in Seaside, about 80 miles northwest of Portland, where they were beaten unconscious by three or four young men dressed in black.
The victims, who gave their first names as Samson and Kevin, say they believe they were targeted because of their sexual orientation.
"All of a sudden someone asked if we were gay, called us 'fags,' then started punching us," said Samson.
The victims were left with head and facial trauma so serious that Kevin plans to see a plastic surgeon for injuries to his right eye. Samson, who does not have medical insurance, estimated that his medical bills will exceed $1,500.
Police are still seeking the attackers, as well as anyone who was at the beach campfire before the attack.
