The page was created by Cianan Liburd on behalf of David Gomez, the victim of the June 5 assault at Hanlan’s Point in Toronto. The page described Gomez as “a precious and loved member of our Queer community.”
At the time of publication, more than $39,000 had been raised for Gomez on the site.
“The attack left David unconscious for some time, and he awoke to find out his nose had been broken, cheekbone and orbital bone shattered, a splint in his hip bone and a concussion,” the GoFundMe page said.
Gomez is recovering from the attack and will have to undergo additional surgeries, according to the page. The money raised through GoFundMe will be used for therapy, legal fees, school fees and medical bills.
“It’s maddening to think that during PRIDE MONTH, we still have to watch our backs in areas like Hanlan’s that have served as an enclave and safe haven for the queer community for as long as some of us can remember,” the page read.
Gomez identified himself as the victim of the attack to CBC News and shared photos of his injuries with the news organization.
CBC also reported that social media posts alleged Ottawa Redblacks player Chris Larsen was involved in the incident. The Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group, the parent company of the football team, said it has suspended Larsen and launched an investigation.
The Toronto Police Service, including the force’s hate crime unit, is investigating the aggravated assault at Hanlan’s Point.
A news release from the service said a 24-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman were walking to the ferry docks when they became involved in a disagreement with a group of people.
A man from the group made homphobic remarks, police said, and a woman from the group grabbed one of the victims. Two men from the group then “assaulted the 24-year-old man by punching and kicking him, leaving him with significant injuries.”
The police provided descriptions of three suspects.
The first suspect was described as a Black man between 25 and 32 years old with dreadlocks. Police said he weighs about 220 pounds, stands at 6 feet, 4 inches tall and had a bicycle with him at the time of the incident.
The second suspect was described as a white man around 5 feet 6 inches who possibly had dreadlocks.
Authorities said the third suspect was a white woman with long blond hair between 22 and 28 years old. She stands at 5 feet, 5 inches tall and weighs about 180 lbs.
“The Toronto Police Service understands that incidents of this nature cause concern in LGBTQ2S+ communities. We want to assure everyone that our investigators are working hard to determine if this was a hate crime and identify the suspects involved. Any type of hate crime will not be tolerated,” the service said in a statement.
Newsweek reached out to the creator of the GoFundMe page for additional comment but didn’t receive a response before publication.
