A Minnesota TV anchor was assaulted by man because he perceived the journalist to be gay, according to a report.
Matt Belanger of KSTP-TV was at a Minneapolis train station on May 12 when he was struck in the eye by something tossed by 39-year-old suspect Vennie Jerome Williams, according to NBC News, citing a criminal complaint.
“It had enough force to cause some damage to my left eye,” Belanger, wearing an eye patch, later said in a Facebook video addressing the attack.
Williams, who police said was caught on camera committing the assault, was busted shortly after, the report said.
He allegedly told police he targeted Belanger because “he perceived that victim was homosexual,” according to the complaint.
Williams was charged with assault and harassment with the intent to injure, police said.
Belanger, in the Facebook video, thanked supporters for reaching out and said he’s taking time off to recover.
“The impact to my eye did cause some internal bleeding that does need to heal before I’m going to be able to go back to work,” Belanger said.
“I do expect to make a full recovery, but I also need to listen to doctors right now and to stay home and to take it easy, frankly,” he said.
