A 26-year-old gay man was a victim of a violent hate crime last weekend in Reno, Texas, in which he was stabbed with a broken beer bottle and thrown onto a fire.
Victim Burke Burnett who was also punched in the eye was attacked at a private party, when four men attacked him, shouting homophobic insults at him.
30 stitches were needed to close stab wounds, and he also suffered second-degree burns. Mr Burnett told the Dallas Voice: “They knew I was gay. I’m convinced they were trying to kill me.”
Reports say that no one else at the party came to his assistance, except to drive him to the hospital after the attack.
Mr Burnett told the Dallas Voice that it was to be classified as a hate crime and says the attacker’s identities are known.
He further added: “I’m scared for my life. I’m scared to go home. These guys have nothing to lose.”
Jeff Sugg of Reno Police Department released a statement on Monday saying: “The Reno Police Department is currently investigating an aggravated assault that took place last weekend. The investigation is ongoing and additional information will be provided when available.”
