Despite despicable internet rumors that Jussie Smollett being attacked by racists is a hoax, Chicago Police Department has reported surveillance video captured a person of interest. The 36-year-old actor was brutally assaulted Tuesday morning in Chicago.
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Chicago police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi tweeted moments ago, “Hours ago #ChicagoPolice detectives located a surveillance camera that shows potential persons of interest wanted for questioning in reference to the assault & battery of Empire actor. A community alert w/ photos is being constructed and will be disseminated shortly.”
While walking to a Subway in Chicago, two men reportedly yelled racial and homophobic slurs at the 36-year-old actor after he exited the restaurant, investigators told The Hollywood Reporter. They punched him, allegedly poured bleach on him and one of the suspects also put a rope around his neck. As they fled the scene, Smollett told police they said, “This is MAGA country.”
“The rise in hate crimes is directly linked to President Donald J. Trump’s racist and xenophobic rhetoric,” the NAACP said in a statement. “It is dangerous for any society to allow a tone of divisiveness and hatred to dominate the political discourse. As this rhetoric continues to bleed into our everyday lives, dangerous behavior will continue to place many law abiding individuals at risk.”
Threatening letters directed at Smollett were reportedly sent to Fox Studios in Chicago 9 days ago. The cutout letters said, “You will die black f**.” See below:
https://twitter.com/Homiekage/status/1090283693497896960
The world has been shocked by the hate crime. Sen. Kamala Harris tweeted, “@JussieSmollett is one of the kindest, most gentle human beings I know. I’m praying for his quick recovery,” she wrote on Twitter Tuesday. “This was an attempted modern day lynching. No one should have to fear for their life because of their sexuality or color of their skin. We must confront this hate.”
Former Vice President Joe Biden tweeted, “What happened today to @JussieSmollett must never be tolerated in this country. We must stand up and demand that we no longer give this hate safe harbor; that homophobia and racism have no place on our streets or in our hearts. We are with you, Jussie.”
Anyone with information about Tuesday’s reported attack is being asked to call Area Central Detectives at 312-747-8382.
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