Late Monday evening, three people in Hofheim am Taunus were verbally insulted and attacked by a larger group. Police are currently treating it as a hate crime targeting LGBTQ people.
According to initial investigations, the three individuals, aged 21, 21, and 23, were approached initially with verbal hostility by a roughly ten-person group near the bus stop at “Amselweg” in the Marxheim district. Subsequently, several members of the group allegedly punched and kicked the 23-year-old victim. When the victim’s companions intervened, they too were subjected to blows.
Afterwards, the group—made up of teenagers aged 16 to 18—fled in an unknown direction. Descriptions exist for three of them. One is about 1.80 m tall (roughly 5’11”) with dark, curly hair. He wore a white shirt and dark sweatpants. Another youth wore a black top and carried a black waist bag with red details. The third is believed to be about 1.95 m tall (roughly 6’5″), muscular, with a buzz cut, and also carrying a black waist bag.
Based on remarks made by the suspects prior to the attack, police believe the incident had an anti-LGBTQ bias. Tips from the public can be directed to the telephone number (06192) 2079-0.
Since 2010, the Westhessen Police Headquarters has maintained a dedicated, volunteer LGBTIQ liaison office. It serves as a trusted and nonjudgmental point of contact for victims of anti-LGBTQ crimes as well as LGBTQ organizations and institutions. Police Detective Victoria Willich, Patrol Officer Alexandro Klimpel, or Police Chief Inspector Florian Meerheim are reachable at the central number (0611) 345 1516 or during regular business hours at the usual contact channels.
