Hamilton police seek suspects in alleged hate-motivated assault on transgender community member

Police are calling it a hate motivated assault after a transgender woman was attacked in Hamilton’s Hess Village last month. They’re now looking for two suspects.

Officers also say hate crimes against the transgender community are on the rise. 

Detectives say on Oct. 25th around 2:30 a.m., a transgender woman was physically and verbally assaulted in Hess Village. 

“A violent attack occurred as the victim and their friends were leaving a Hess Village bar. There was a brief dispute with the victim’s friends and a group of people. Following that dispute, the victim’s friends left the area, and the victim was attacked by a group of males. During that attack, transphobic slurs were used,” said Det. Const. Lyndsay Scott. 

Authorities say the woman was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. 

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Jelena Vermilion, Executive Director with advocacy group Sex Worker Action Program (SWAP) Hamilton says attacks like this are heartbreaking. 

“It should not be happening. And I think what we really need is a unified community response,” she said. “I myself have been the victim of a few hate crime over the past two years. It’s been tragic. It’s sad to know that we are being attacked just because of who we are.”

“I am seeing an increase of violence because of what’s happening in the States right now, like what Trump is doing with telling us that we only have two genders — male and female,” said Kristeen Sprague, a peer support worker. 

Investigators say politics could be a reason. 

“Things that happen worldwide politically tend to happen locally as well. So obviously there are events happening in the States, those beliefs have kind of made their way here as well,” said Scott.

Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying two suspects.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or by sharing tips online at crimestoppershamilton.com.

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