Brooklyn: Hate Crime Suspect Faces 15 Years In Prison

Brandon McNamara arrested in Brooklyn hate crime

Brandon McNamara, the suspect in a violent hate crime that sent two New Jersey men to the hospital with broken bones, was arraigned Friday in Brooklyn Criminal Court.

According to NBC News  McNamara was charged with “second-degree assault as a hate crime, third-degree menacing as a hate crime, second-degree aggravated harassment and other related offenses.”

The brutal attack took place on September 23 outside the popular Williamsburg gay bar, Metropolitan.

The 23-year-old is alleged to have chased two gay men while cursing them using anti-gay slurs.

NYPD Sergeant Jessica McRorie told NBC News that he “punched the [30-year-old] in the face which caused him to lose consciousness.”

“He then grabbed the 29-year-old and threw him against a tree; also rendering him unconscious.”

“This defendant allegedly assaulted an innocent couple simply because he perceived they were gay,” said District Attorney Eric Gonzalez to the press. “Crimes that target individuals because of their sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or other identity are a threat to everything we stand for in Brooklyn.”

McNamara eventually turned himself in after police circulated a photo taken by a bystander.

He is scheduled to return to court January 16.

If convicted, he faces 15 years in prison.

In partnership with the community, an arrest has been made in the 9-23-18 Hate Crime assault in Brooklyn in which a gay couple was brutally attacked. Grateful to those who contacted @NYPDTIPS & assisted the Hate Crimes T.F. quickly apprehend Brandon McNamara. #YourCityYourCall pic.twitter.com/o0PfZ1Zqqa

— Chief Dermot F. Shea (@NYPDDetectives) September 26, 2018