A transgender woman based in Charlotte, North Carolina has said she was attacked by two assailants last week and cut with a hatchet.
Ralayzia Taylor said that the attackers “probably just wanted to rob someone that day and then when they found out I was a transgender, it got worse.” Eventually the attackers stopped, and she was able to run away and ask people for help.
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Taylor required dozens of stitches following the attack and still has marks on her body. “I just want to tell all the gays and trannies to keep their heads up – not just blacks, but whites, Hispanics – it doesn't matter,” she said. “Just all keep their heads up.”
Although law enforcement agents have yet to label it as such, Taylor considers the attack to be a hate crime.
According to CBS, the Mecklenburg County Jail website shows that Dajion Tanner and Destiny Dagraca (above), both 18, have been released on bond on charges including attempted first-degree murder. A 15-year-old was also arrested.
MORE VIOLENCE IN THE USA: Ralayzia Taylor said this week that men in Charlotte, North Carolina attacked her with… https://t.co/P7gtBxbHeu
— TransValid (@TransValid) November 15, 2016
Officials with the Federal Bureau of Investigation confirmed that they are monitoring the situation and working with local law enforcement.
(Images via Charlotte Mugshots)