Huang said the bar doesn’t have cameras pointed at the parking lot, which is operated by a private company. Grisafe said accounts varied on the number and their descriptions, and police are now seeking evidence to clarify. It’s not known how many assailants there were. Gonzalez, one of the victims, told ABC-7 his goal for speaking out “is to seek justice for my friends and my family and also to make sure that this never happens to anybody else.” In a statement posted to social media, the Pasadena Police Department said “it recognizes the importance of protecting the safety and dignity of all of our community members and we stand in solidarity with those affected by the heinous attacks perpetrated last week.” He didn’t provide details about what was said. He says he can’t remember the last time what he described as “gay-bashing” took place in the area, but wearily noted it can happen anywhere.Īccording to Grisafe, comments reportedly made by the attackers prompted the authorities to investigate the incident as a hate crime. For the last 28 years, Huang has operated restaurants in the Old Town area and he said in general the community has supported its LGBTQ residents.
