The New Hampshire Attorney General’s office is now actively involved in an investigation concerning the alleged assault of a gay couple in Somersworth, N.H. The victims, who operate the Wm. Poole Confections shop from their residence, reported the incident involved a group of juveniles who hurled homophobic taunts during the attack.
William Poole, one of the shop owners, shared on Facebook that the incident left him with injuries, including lacerations and bruises, after being struck in the eye with a blunt instrument. The assailants attempted to gain entry to the couple’s second-floor residence during the attack, prompting fear for their safety and the integrity of their home and business.
This wasn’t the first encounter with hostility for the couple. In a prior incident on July 16, two individuals from a small group attempted to break into their residence, accompanied by a stream of homophobic slurs shouted at them from the sidewalk.
In response to the escalating situation, the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Civil Rights Unit is actively collaborating with the Somersworth Police Department and other law enforcement agencies to pursue further investigation. Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to come forward and share it with the authorities.
The attack on the gay couple highlights the importance of addressing hate crimes and creating a safe environment for LGBTQ+ individuals in the state. Authorities are determined to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the safety of all residents, regardless of their sexual orientation.