Last week, the Internet exploded with a viral video of two transgender women being attacked by two men on Atlanta’s MARTA transit system on May 20. Although many viewers saw the video as humorous fodder, Atlanta police rightly saw the video as a recording of a crime and began an investigation to find the two assailants. Now, news has surfaced that APD has finally arrested the two suspects involved in the attack.
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, MARTA officials revealed that 34-year-old Luther Thomas and 35-year-old Frederick Missick of Atlanta have been arrested on charges of disorderly conduct and have been suspended from riding MARTA. Both are being held at the Fulton county jail on $2,500 bond.
Two passengers on the train at the time of the fight say the altercation occurred after Thomas and Missick began harassing the two transgender women, Janell Crosby and Tyra Woods. Video of the fight shows the men physically attacking first and the four individuals getting involved into a heated brawl on the train.
“They were trying to find out if we are men or women,” said Woods. “I shouldn’t have to disclose who I am to a person who I’m not even interested in talking to.”
“I really didn’t want to fight, but he just kicked me and tried to make a big scene,” said Crosby.
According to the AJC, police records show that this is the third time Thomas has been arrested by MARTA police. He was previously arrested in December 2005 over charges of simple battery, theft by taking and criminal reproduction and sale of recorded material.
MARTA officials say that representatives from the agency’s diversity and equal opportunity office will work to strengthen outreach to the LGBTQ community.
Well, we’re glad that the two men were arrested and we hope it sends the message that transphobic attacks are not simply something to be videotaped for humorous fodder; they’re criminal acts that should not be tolerated by anyone. –nicholas robinson
