Possible Hate Crime in Charlottesville, Virginia

The following was forwarded to me by a reader in Charlottesville, Virginia, concerning an attack that occurred late Friday night/early Saturday morning that has apparently gone unreported by the Charlottesville media -I checked the local paper, the Daily Progress, just moments ago myself and there is no story. The following are highlights from the message transmitted to me (that was also directed to media contacts in Charlottesville):

It seems there has been no published report of an extremely disturbing attack committed in Charlottesville last weekend, brought to my attention by sources I know to be unimpeachable. Outside the Club 216 on Water Street in Charlottesville, late "Friday night" the 28th -- the early morning of Saturday, the 29th -- an extremely violent and almost homicidal assault was inflicted on a resident of Albemarle County, recently arrived from Hawaii, by an attacker unknown to the victim. He has been recovering at University of Virginia hospital from multiple blows all over his body, having suffered a fractured skull and fractures of several ribs, together with ancillary internal injuries of an extent yet to be determined.

Given the spontaneous ferocity of this unprovoked attack by a stranger or strangers, with no known theft involved, it exceeds credulity not to suspect this heinous crime of being motivated by one or more species of bigotry -- on grounds of race (the victim is partially of Asian extraction) or of presumed sexuality. It is not known if police have succeeded in identifying the assailant.

The victim is an internationally respected professional in the travel/hospitality industry, brought to Albemarle County only last month by one of the most distinguished names in hospitality in the world. The intent of such an attack is naturally to inflict mortal, irreparable terror of Charlottesville, literally to Matthew Shepardise a man for vicious sport; but in addition to the crisis of his recovery, should it ever be complete, there is the revolting ignominy to consider, of his having been intimidated from pursuing a fine career in this community -- and in what endeavor, but the gracious welcoming of people from all over the world, to the seedbed of our enlightenment and our liberties.

Club 216 is the only gay club in Charlottesville that I am aware of. That it is a gay venue is most likely widely known. It is not in a dangerous part of the city. While the City of Charlottesville is quite liberal and has the cosmopolitan influence of a top 25 university and wealthy residents from around the globe in surrounding Albemarle County, some of the rural locals are not far removed from characters from the old movie "Deliverance." I hope this story gets coverage and the assailant is captured. I have not mentioned the victim's place of employment out of respect for what he has suffered. I can assure you, however, that it is a very top tier establishment.

I would also add that Club 216 is owned and operated by the PIEDMONT TRIANGLE SOCIETY ("PTS"). PTS is a non-profit organization established to promote the interests of the Gay community in Virginia. PTS creates a supportive social environment for its' members and guests. PTS provides an open forum for the development of political, social, and other interests within its' membership. When you join Club 216 you become a member of the PIEDMONT TRIANGLE SOCIETY.