UPDATE: NYPD has made an arrest in the attack. No hate crime charges will be filed, according to police. Read more.
New York Police are now investigating the recent beating of Randy Gener, an active member of the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) and the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association (NLGJA), as a possible hate crime.
On January 17, Randy was attacked in Midtown, a block away from his apartment. He had just left a party around 4 a.m. and was on his way home near West 54th and 7th Avenue. Upon arrival, responding officers discovered Randy, lying on the ground with severe head trauma.
Subsequent to investigation it was determined that an unknown male did punch Randy in the face causing him to fall to the ground striking his head. The suspect fled in a grey four door Nissan with Mississippi license plate # KAT397. EMS also responded to the scene, and transported the victim to St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, where he is currently listed in stable condition.
The New York Police Department is asking anyone with information to come forward, and contact Crime Stoppers at 1800-577-TIPS (8477). A sketch of the suspect has been released.
A vigil was held Sunday to gather and show support for Randy and as a call for more information to bring the attacker to justice. A second vigil is scheduled for 7pm tonight at the Philippine Center in New York, followed by an update by the NYPD’s LGBT liaison.
“I'm shocked and horrified. Randy is an active member who always lends his hand to help.” says Paul Cheung, National President, AAJA. “Our thoughts are with Randy for a speedy recovery and for the NYPD to apprehend the attacker soon.”
“Randy is a great journalist, a true champion of the arts, and one of NLGJA’s nicest members. We are shocked and saddened by this horrible incident and hope for his quick recovery,” said NLGJA President Jen Christensen. “We also hope someone will come forward with information to help the police catch whoever did this.”
Randy was the 2010 NLGJA Journalist of the Year. He is the U.S. editor of Critical Stages and has worked for The New York Times, the New York Daily News, National Public Radio and many other news organizations in the United States, Europe and Asia.
Randy's family and friends have set up a website (http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/for-randy-gener/130589) to help cover Randy's medical expenses.
Latest coverage of Randy's attack: