In a shocking turn of events, 15 individuals now face hate crime charges following an alleged attack near Salisbury University. The incident, which occurred on October 15, has sent ripples through the community and raised serious concerns about safety and discrimination on college campuses.
Details of the alleged hate crime attack
The attack reportedly took place in an apartment just off the Salisbury University campus. According to charging documents, one suspect allegedly created a fake account on Grindr, a dating app primarily used by gay and bisexual men. Posing as a 16-year-old, the suspect lured the victim to the apartment under the pretense of a sexual encounter.
Upon arrival, the victim was ambushed by approximately 15 college-aged males who emerged from back bedrooms. The attackers allegedly :
- Slapped, punched, and kicked the victim
- Spat on the victim
- Yelled anti-gay slurs
- Prevented the victim from leaving
The victim made several attempts to flee but was thrown to the floor each time. Eventually, he managed to escape the horrifying ordeal. This incident near Salisbury University has led to multiple charges, including first-degree assault, reckless endangerment, false imprisonment, and hate crime associated offenses.
Arrests and identifications
As the investigation progressed, law enforcement made a series of arrests. Initially, 12 students were taken into custody. On November 14, three more individuals were apprehended, bringing the total number of arrests to 15. The most recent arrests include :
- Sean Antone, 19, from West Friendship
- Benjamin Brandenburg, 18, from Glyndon
- Logan Clark, 19, from Severna Park
The full list of those charged in connection with the alleged attack is as follows :
| Name | Age | Hometown |
|---|---|---|
| Ryder Baker | 20 | Olney |
| Bennan Aird | 18 | Milton, Delaware |
| Riley Brister | 20 | Davidsonville |
| Cruz Cespedes | 19 | Jarrettsville |
| Dylan Earp | 20 | Gambrills |
| Elijah Johnson | 19 | Crofton |
| Zachary Leinemann | 18 | Crofton |
| Cameron Guy | 18 | Baltimore |
| Jacob Howard | 19 | Elkridge |
| Eric Sinclair | 21 | Mount Airy |
| Patrick Gutierrez | 19 | Salisbury |
| Dylan Pietuszka | 20 | West Friendship |
| Sean Antone | 19 | West Friendship |
| Benjamin Brandenburg | 18 | Glyndon |
| Logan Clark | 19 | Severna Park |
University and fraternity responses
In the wake of this disturbing incident, Salisbury University has taken swift action to address the situation and support its community. Jason Rhodes, the university spokesman, emphasized that “hate has no place” at the institution. The university’s response includes :
- Suspending the students involved
- Barring the charged individuals from campus property
- Prohibiting the accused from taking classes, either online or in-person
- Banning them from attending Salisbury University-sponsored events
Rhodes also stated that the university has opened up counseling services for students who may need support during this challenging time. Additionally, steps have been taken to ensure the LGBTQ community on campus feels supported and protected.
The Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) fraternity, which had members allegedly involved in the incident, has also responded decisively. The fraternity’s suburban Chicago-based headquarters issued a statement condemning hate and violence in any form. They confirmed that the incident was isolated to the expelled individuals and took the following actions :
- Expelled the students involved who were affiliated with the Salisbury chapter
- Reviewed the circumstances surrounding the incident
- Reaffirmed their commitment to upholding high standards within the organization
The fraternity emphasized that the actions of these individuals do not align with the values of their organization or reflect the principles of their creed, “The True Gentleman.”
Implications and community impact
This alleged hate crime has sent shockwaves through the Salisbury University community and beyond. It raises critical questions about safety, inclusivity, and the persistence of discrimination on college campuses. The incident has sparked conversations about :
- The need for increased awareness and education about LGBTQ+ issues
- The importance of fostering a culture of acceptance and respect
- The role of universities in preventing and responding to hate crimes
- The potential for technology and social media to be used as tools for targeting vulnerable individuals
As the legal process unfolds, many are watching closely to see how this case will be handled and what long-term changes it might bring about. The severity of the charges and the number of individuals involved underscore the seriousness with which authorities are treating this alleged hate crime.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the work that still needs to be done to create truly inclusive and safe environments for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. It also highlights the importance of bystander intervention and the responsibility of community members to speak out against discrimination and violence.
As Salisbury University and the broader community grapple with the aftermath of this alleged attack, there is hope that it will lead to meaningful dialogue, policy changes, and a renewed commitment to fostering a culture of respect and equality on campus and beyond.
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