2 men beaten, called homophobic slurs along U Street, police investigating as suspected hate crime

WASHINGTON - An early Sunday morning assault along U Street is being investigated as a suspected hate crime, as police say two men were beaten by three suspects who yelled homophobic slurs.

D.C. police say at around 12:30 a.m. Sunday, officers were called the 2000 block of 10th Street Northwest for reports of an aggravated assault. They say three suspects attacked two men and yelled homophobic slurs.

The two victims were an area hospital for non-life threatening injuries. Friends of the two victims tell FOX 5 one had a broken nose and teeth, and the other had a concussion.

Police say the suspects are three black men, 20-25 years old. One was seen wearing a white tank top and bald head, the second suspect is described as wearing a red shirt, and the third described as having blond highlighted hair.

D.C. police say they're investigating this offense as potentially being motivated by hate or bias.

Anyone with information that could aid detectives in their investigation is urged to call (202) 727-9099.