Brandon McNamara (NYPD)
Nov. 15, 2018 By Christian Murray
A man who allegedly attacked a gay couple outside a Williamsburg bar in September faces up to 15 years in prison, according to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office.
Brandon McNamara, 25, of Middle Village in Queens, was arraigned Wednesday and charged with second-degree assault as a hate crime, among other charges. He was released on $15,000 bail and was ordered to return to court on Jan. 16, 2019.
McNamara, according to the charges, attacked two men, aged 29 and 30, who had just exited Metropolitan Bar at 559 Lorimer St. just before 1 a.m. on Sept. 23.
The victims were walking along Metropolitan Avenue when McNamara, who was with several unknown people, caught up to the pair and allegedly made a homophobic slur. McNamara then struck the first victim, causing him to fall to the ground and lose consciousness. The second victim was thrown against a tree and also lost consciousness.
A passerby called 911 after seeing the two men unconscious on the ground, authorities said. The 30-year-old victim suffered a fractured and dislocated left shoulder and the 29-year-old victim suffered a broken finger. Both victims were treated at Woodhull Hospital.
McNamara turned himself in on Sept. 26 after police released a photo of him to the media that had been taken by a witness.
“This defendant allegedly assaulted an innocent couple simply because he perceived they were gay,” said Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. “Crimes that target individuals because of their sexual orientation, race…are a threat to everything we stand for here in Brooklyn.
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