Three more individuals have been arrested and charged with hate crimes in connection with an attack on a man in Maryland based on his sexual orientation. Sean Antone, Benjamin Brandenburg, and Logan Clark were taken into custody, following the initial arrests of 12 Salisbury University students for the assault on October 15. The three new suspects face similar charges, including first-degree assault, reckless endangerment, false imprisonment, and hate crime offenses. Antone was arrested by the Howard County Police Department, Brandenburg was arrested by Salisbury police, and Clark turned himself in.
The assault took place at an off-campus apartment complex, where the victim was invited under false pretenses and then physically assaulted by several men. The victim was kicked, punched, and spit on while being subjected to derogatory remarks, with the assault lasting for several minutes. The victim sought medical attention for injuries, including bruises and a broken rib. Police confirmed that the attack was targeted due to the victim’s sexual orientation.
The incident has led to the suspension of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, with some of the charged individuals being members or associates of the fraternity. The suspects have been placed on interim suspension by Salisbury University, pending further investigation. A community vigil and unity walk was organized on campus in response to the attack. Attorney Steve Rakow, representing one of the arrested students, stated that his client will plead not guilty to the charges, and criticized the university for suspending the students before any findings were made.
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