Illinois State University police, after a six week investigation, say they are unable to locate the people responsible for an alleged hate crime in August near Bone Student Center.
An ISU student reported being approached by four people in the early morning of Aug. 24. They reportedly knocked him off his scooter, punched him in the face and uttered offensive and homophobic slurs.
In a statement on Wednesday, ISU police said the incident may have been motivated by bias and was investigated as a hate crime. At the time of the report, the victim was offered medical assistance and support services.
Detectives conducted eight interviews, reviewed public safety camera footage from the university and nearby businesses and canvassed the community. They were unable to identify suspects matching the description given by the victim. The case is now closed.
“While we were not able to make an arrest in this case, we will investigate every report of a crime with diligence,” ISU police chief Aaron Woodruff said in a statement. “Hate crimes have no place on our campus.”
On Sept. 4, about 50 students gathered on the campus quad for a “March for LGBTQ+ Safety,” organized by ISU’s Young Democratic Socialists of America. A series of homophobic acts in 2022 resulted in a similar demonstration.
Freshman Andrew Franson who attended the march said it was a "shame" that police were unable to find the suspects.
"As a student of Illinois State University in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community and all students on campus, the suspects do not scare me, nor do any other hate crime. I will not be stripped of my identity because another person doesn’t approve," Franson said in an email.
People with information can still contact detective Matthew Hice at 309-438-8631. Students needing support can contact Student Counseling Services at 309-438-3655. The Safe Redbirds app has tools for navigating campus with confidence, including requesting Safe Walks, Virtual Safe Walk, Friend Walk and the Virtual Blue Light.
