Attacker in Flagstaff Anti-Gay Assault Charged With Felony

FLAGSTAFF - Equality Arizona commends the Coconino County Attorney’s decision today to charge Travis Reiner with a felony assault in the June 22, 2008, anti-Gay attack on Michel Brown.

If found guilty on the felony assault charge, Reiner could receive an enhanced sentence under Arizona’s hate crime statute. Reiner was one of four men arrested after shouting anti-gay slurs and attacking several people gathered at a street corner during Flagstaff’s Pride in the Pines weekend festivities. The incident involved staff and volunteers of Equality Arizona, the statewide LGBT civil rights organization and resulted in at least two individuals being treated for injuries at a local hospital.

“We are pleased with the sensitivity and professionalism that the Coconino County Attorney’s office and local authorities have demonstrated during this investigation,” said Equality Arizona Executive Director Barbara McCullough-Jones. “We continue to stand with the victims, their families, and the Flagstaff community in seeking justice in this case.