https://twitter.com/itsJohn718/status/650567877737713664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
A man’s horrific account of an alleged anti-gay beating at Penn State University has gone viral on social media after the man, 19-year-old John Mateer, posted photos over the weekend and said he was beaten by a fraternity brother. Matter, a Wantagh, Long Island native who studies at Queens College, according to the NY Daily News, was visiting Penn State. The posts have been shared thousands of times.
After posting a tweet that said “I am bleeding on my phone“, Mateer posted a series of photos of his bruised and bloody face and hand, tweeting, “Don’t let a frat guy know that you’re gay.”
He later added:
“got the living sh-t kicked out of me. The brother admitted that he hated gays. Proceeded to kick the sh-t out of me.”
The New York Daily News reports that a suspect has been identified and it’s not a frat member, and it’s not being investigated as a hate crime.
The suspect was identified late Monday and is not a Penn State fraternity member, the State College Police Department said. Officials did not release his name. Authorities say they are not investigating the incident as a hate crime.
Penn State released a statement:
The State College Police Department, with assistance from Penn State Student Affairs, is continuing in its investigation of an alleged assault.
Authorities have been in contact with the alleged victim, and it is our sincere hope that he is recovering well. Violence in any form is repulsive and hurtful, and those responsible should and will be held accountable for their actions. We thank the concerned individuals who made us aware of the incident on social media on Sunday; they are representative of the care and compassion we see at Penn State every day.
We all must continue to work together to maintain a safe, welcoming and respectful environment for all Penn Staters as well as anyone visiting our campus and community.
The State College Police Department posted on its website that an investigation was underway but didn’t specifically name Mateer:
On October 4, 2015, the State College Police Department was notified of numerous Twitter posts about a male being assaulted in State College last night. Based on a post from the victim, it may have occurred around North Burrows Road. State College Police have initiated an investigation which is ongoing. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
We are urging anyone who may have information regarding this incident to contact the State College Police Department at (814) 234-7150, by email or submit an anonymous tip through our website.
Mateer followed up the posts on Sunday, thanking people for their support. More on this as it develops…
Thank you to everyone for all for your support. I'm sorry I can't get back to everyone I have a lot of messages. A police report was filed.
— 𝙹𝙰𝚈 𝚃𝙴𝙰. 🏳️🌈 🌹 (@ohitsJayTea) October 5, 2015
