Alleged gay assault at Atlantic Station

Details surrounding an alleged assault on a gay man Saturday night as he exited an Atlantic Station parking garage were still emerging Monday afternoon.

As Project Q Atlanta reported, the victim was at the mixed-use development to attend the gay-friendly Fenuxe Fire Party in the former Fox Sports Grill space. The incident occurred shortly before 9:30 p.m.

According to the Atlanta Police, the 50-year-old victim said he was walking in the west district area of Atlantic Station when he asked a male and female couple for directions. The white male then reportedly asked him, “Are you gay?” When the victim replied that he was, he said the man knocked him to the ground with a punch to the face, striking his head as he fell.

The assailant then fled on foot and there have been no arrests.

According to APD spokesperson Sgt. Curtis Davenport, the victim, who suffered minor injuries, initially told the officer that “it was not a big deal” and did not want medical treatment. Later, a Grady Hospital ambulance transported him to Emory University Hospital Midtown for treatment.

LGBT Liaison Senior Patrol Officer Brian Sharp was advised of the incident, which remains under investigation.

There have been allegations that the Atlantic Station public safety officer initially involved following the incident was slow to take action and even attempted to eject the victim. But Atlantic Station Management has said proper protocol was followed as officials continue to investigate the case and examine video tape. In a released statement:

"In the case of Saturday's incident, witnesses have given both Atlantic Station Public Safety officers and APD officers conflicting information. … Our own public safety officers handled the incident according to protocol and were respectful to all parties involved. The safety of all guests at Atlantic Station is our top priority.”

The alleged bigoted assault came just a few nights before Atlantic Station is set to host a National Night Out event to heighten crime awareness and promote keeping neighborhoods safe.

Atlanta-based Fenuxe Magazine is a resource for gays and lesbians looking for news, travel, events, style, entertainment, the arts, and gay-friendly businesses, products, and services. Stated Atlantic Station Management:

"We are committed to serving the diverse Midtown neighborhood, including the LGBT community, a commitment that has been demonstrated by our partnership with events such as the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus Big Wig Party and the Fenuxe Magazine Best of Atlanta Fire Party and the diversity in our own management team."