Six gay-oriented taverns in Covington are teaming up Saturday for a “Zero Tolerance for Hate Crimes” event, in response to a recent violent attack on four people at a nearby gas station.
The event, which begins at 9 p.m., involves a gathering at the corner of Pike and Main streets in a show of strength and unity. Businesses participating are Blue Bar, Bar Monet, Yadda Club, Leapin' Lizard Gallery, 701 Bar and Rosie's Tavern.—-
Covington Police are supporting the event, organizers said.
Owners are urging their customers and anyone else who wants to stand up against the recent gay bashing to attend.
On the event's Facebook page, which had 1,487 followers as of this afternoon, it states, “This is an open forum for people who want to put an end to hate crimes in our city of Covington. As a group we have to power to ensure our city is a place that everyone can be proud to say is their home.”
An allegedly intoxicated man yelled anti-gay slurs at two women at the Shell gasoline station on Pike Street shortly before 1 a.m. Aug. 14, police reports said. The suspect then began punching and kicking one woman, and her friend tried to intervene. The two women suffered minor injuries.
An associate of the suspect then used a knife to cut the arm of a juvenile and the stomach of a man who tried to help the women.
Arrested were Timothy Searp on an alcohol intoxication charge, and Devlin Burke on two charges of second-degree assault. Two others also were arrested before the incident was over.
After the attack, Covington police increased patrols in the bar district.
