Canada – Emma MacLean and her girlfriend Tori have recounted a harrowing assault by a homophobic gang of 10 men, which occurred as they walked home from Emma’s birthday celebration.
The incident began when one of the men made a sexually degrading comment towards Emma. Tori defended her, saying, “Hey, that’s my girlfriend.” This prompted further offensive and homophobic remarks, escalating into a violent attack.
Emma told CTV News, “I see Tori being pushed on the stairs right in front of the BMO Centre, and they are cement stairs, and she’s on her back – that’s when all the men started punching and kicking her. The fight-or-flight came in. I jumped on one of their backs and put them in a chokehold – trying to restrain them.”
The couple suffered numerous injuries, including a broken nose, a chipped tooth, and multiple bruises and swollen areas on their heads and faces.
Emma later shared video footage and screenshots of the assailants, describing them as being of Middle Eastern descent, possibly from Syria, and estimated their ages to be between 18-25. The distressing footage captures the men surrounding the couple, who were lying on the ground, with one woman attempting to protect her partner.
Despite several bystanders witnessing the assault, none intervened. A bystander eventually called the police, but the attackers had fled by the time officers arrived. The police spoke with one of the men involved, who blamed the fight on the two women, while the others refused to cooperate or show identification.
Emma has appealed for witnesses to come forward, saying, “We are extremely thankful that things were not worse. If anyone has any further information, has witnessed this event, or has personal video footage, I would be extremely grateful if you could share it. Stay safe and happy pride month.”
Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident, but no charges have been brought yet.
