A man who allegedly threw a glass object after shouting anti-LGBTQ slurs at two men has been arrested on suspicion of committing hate crimes and assault with a deadly weapon, San Francisco police announced Wednesday.
The incident happened Monday before noon near 18th and Hartford streets when 20-year-old Muhammed Abdullah allegedly followed a 40-year-old man and a 58-year-old man while shouting anti-LGBTQ slurs, police said.
Abdullah then allegedly threw a glass object at the men, causing the 40-year-old male victim to sustain a non-life-threatening injury.
Officers later found Abdullah in the area of Dolores Park and chased him on foot before arresting him for the alleged crimes, police said. The park is around three blocks away from where the incident happened.
Abdullah was later booked at San Francisco County Jail on suspicion of two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, two counts of committing a hate crime and resisting arrest.
“These kinds of attacks are unacceptable,” Police Chief William Scott said. “It’s especially troubling that this incident took place as we celebrate Pride month in San Francisco. Anyone who threatens or harms someone based on being a member of the LGBTQ community will be held accountable.”
On Thursday, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced charges against Abdullah, asserting that "San Francisco is a safe haven for LGBTQ people.” Abdullah was formally charged with two counts of assault with a deadly weapon with special hate-crime allegations, misdemeanor battery, violation of a person’s civil rights and petty theft.
"Our city is proud of our diversity and for being an open and welcoming beacon to all people, especially those who have been marginalized elsewhere," Jenkins said. "Hate crimes that seek to demean and otherize people because of who they are, what they look like, or who they love are unacceptable and will be prosecuted.”