Seattle hate crime victim attacked after leaving Orlando fundraiser

A transgender person was beaten in Capitol Hill after leaving a fundraiser for victims of the Orlando mass shooting.

Seattle police and the FBI are investigating the attack as a hate crime.

Michael Volz, the victim, spoke out against hate on Friday afternoon.

"This is not an isolated incident. This is something that happens to our community frequently and we won't tolerate it anymore," said Volz in Cal Anderson Park before the Transgender Pride Parade.

"We're united, that we're not going anywhere, we're a strong community," Volz said.

Investigators said that Volz left the fundraiser around 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday and was walking near 11 Avenue and East Pike Street when the man came up.

“Hey, Happy Pride,” the assailant reportedly said before punching Volz in the face.

Officials wrote in the police blotter that the assailant grabbed Volz by the throat and continued to attack Volz while using slurs about transgender people.

The suspect is described as a white man in his 20s, with brown hair and a partial beard. He was wearing an orange or copper-colored sweatshirt, blue jeans, and sandals at the time of the incident.
 
"I'm disgusted by this hateful attack," said Seattle police Chief Kathleen O'Toole. "I want to assure the victim and the community that the SPD will leverage every resource to identify the suspect and bring him to justice."

Seattle Mayor Ed Murray reacted to the incident. "This attack is deplorable, and my sympathies are with the young person who was harmed," said Murray in a statement Friday afternoon.

Seattle police say they are working closely with organizers for this week's Pride festival and will have an increased and visible presence at weekend events throughout downtown and Capitol Hill.
 
If you have any information about this case, please call the SPD Violent Crimes tip line at (206) 233-5000.

Cox Media Group