Three Gender Nonconforming Patrons Attacked After Leaving York, PA Brewery; Victims Allege Police Inaction

Three gender nonconforming patrons in York, Pennsylvania, say they were chased and physically attacked by a group of men hurling anti-LGBTQ slurs after leaving a local brewery on the night of Friday, August 22, 2025. The assault, which left at least one victim in need of emergency medical attention, has reignited urgent conversations around the safety of LGBTQ+ individuals in public spaces and the adequacy of police response to hate-motivated violence .

According to a detailed Facebook message posted by one of the victims, Brady Pappas, the group had just left the brewery when several men began to follow them, shouting homophobic slurs and threats. The situation escalated quickly as the men physically assaulted the group, resulting in injuries that required one person to seek treatment at a local emergency room. Pappas wrote from the hospital that police who arrived at the scene “dismissed everything that we said,” raising concerns among the victims and the wider LGBTQ+ community about the seriousness with which the case would be handled.

While local reporting confirms that an anti-LGBTQ attack did occur outside a bar in York on the specified date, specific details regarding the alleged police response and the identities of those involved remain under investigation . As of publication, York City Police have not released a public statement confirming an official investigation or providing additional information on arrests or suspects .

The reported assault has drawn swift condemnation from LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, who highlight the incident as part of a troubling pattern of anti-LGBTQ violence both statewide and nationally. Local activists are demanding a transparent investigation and accountability both for the perpetrators and any failures in law enforcement response. “It is unacceptable for anyone to be targeted because of their gender identity or expression, and even more so for authorities to neglect their duty to protect vulnerable communities,” said a spokesperson for a Pennsylvania LGBTQ+ rights group .

The incident comes amid growing concern about rising anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and violence across the United States. According to recent reports, hate crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals have increased in several regions, with trans and gender nonconforming people facing heightened risk.

Allegations that police failed to adequately respond or document the attack have intensified scrutiny of law enforcement’s relationship with LGBTQ+ communities. Advocacy groups stress the need for comprehensive training and policy reforms to ensure that officers recognize and address hate crimes effectively and respectfully.

Legal experts note that while Pennsylvania law prohibits certain forms of discrimination, advocates have long called for the state to expand its hate crimes statute to explicitly cover crimes motivated by gender identity and sexual orientation. “This case underscores the gaps in existing protections and the urgent need for legislative action,” said a representative from a national LGBTQ+ legal advocacy organization .