Sean Antone, Benjamin Brandenburg, and Logan Clark were arrested and charged with hate crimes following a targeted attack on a man based on his sexual orientation in Maryland. The assault occurred on October 15, and a total of 15 individuals, including students from Salisbury University, have been arrested in connection with the incident. Antone was arrested by the Howard County Police Department, while Brandenburg was apprehended by Salisbury police, and Clark turned himself in. The charges against them, first-degree assault, reckless endangerment, false imprisonment, and hate crime offenses, are similar to those previously levied against the other suspects.
The victim was allegedly lured to an off-campus apartment under false pretenses by a group of men, where he was assaulted and subjected to derogatory names. The attack was captured on cell phone footage, showing the victim being kicked, punched, and spit on. Police confirmed that the victim suffered physical injuries, including a broken rib, as a result of the assault. The investigation revealed that the man was targeted because of his sexual preferences.
The suspects are affiliated with the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity at Salisbury University, which has been placed on suspension. Some of the individuals have retained legal representation and maintain their innocence. The university president characterized the incident as an “act of visceral hate” and suspended all students involved. A community vigil and unity walk were organized on campus in response to the attack.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com