Two gay US soldiers were beaten at a nightclub in Croatia over the weekend after a group of patrons got “annoyed” that they were dancing so “vigorously” with one another.
24-year-old Ny’Zavian Dozier and 25-year-old Keith D. Rowe were assaulted by as many as 10 men inside the Opera nightclub in the city of Zadar last Saturday night for drinking and dancing together.
The attack happened around 3 AM and lasted for several minutes. It didn’t stop until a woman the men had befriended at the club stepped in to help. Both soldiers have since left the territory of the Republic of Croatia.
In a Facebook post on Sunday, Dozier wrote: “Literally experienced one of the most scariest moments ever last night … These guys had every intention of not letting us walk away alive. I have never felt so defenseless in my entire life.”
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He also included disturbing pictures taken shortly after the attack showing his bloodied face.
Authorities have opened a criminal investigation into the attack. A spokesperson for police says:
On the night of Saturday, Sunday, after three o’clock, police received reports that several people had taken part in a fight, and upon entering the field, it was determined that the men, American citizens ‘danced a little more vigorously’ and that annoyed these men who attacked them.
We are still determining whether this is a hate attack. We are looking for the perpetrators, and we cannot confirm at this time that they are US soldiers.
It has since been confirmed that both men are, indeed, US soldiers.
Meanwhile, an official statement from the American Embassy in Zagreb reads:
The US Embassy in Zagreb condemns the recent violent attacks on two US tourists in Zadar. The well-being and security of US citizens abroad is one of the State Department’s top priorities. The Embassy is ready to provide appropriate assistance to American citizens in need and their families. Due to privacy issues, we are unable to comment further on this case.
So far, no arrests have been made.
Vince
No doubt the attackers were closet cases themselves. No other way of explaining that kind of murderous rage.
WashDrySpin
they are not closet cases…that is a lame/lazy excuse and it is too simple…the sad truth is in Croatia these actions are permitted by looking the other way
Kangol2
But I thought Europe wasn’t homophobic? Oh wait, Croatia is yet another country where enlightenment about LGBTQ hasn’t really taken that much of a hold. I hope these two US soldiers are OK, and I’d urge anyone, especially if you’re Black and gay, to be a bit careful traveling around Eastern Europe. (Jeremy Helligar, are you going to weigh in on this?)
WashDrySpin
These are two black men loving each other so Jeremy will be absolutely quiet because this is not his area of desire or knowledge
MacAdvisor
“Two gay US soldiers violently beaten by 10 men inside nightclub for dancing with each other.”
Can one be beaten any other way but violently? Are there non-violent beatings?
Sister Bertha Bedderthanyu
Maybe it would have been better if they had gone to a gay nightclub. Its best to understand as much about the culture, beliefs and TOLERANCE of a foreign country than assume its as liberal as your home country. There are many countries that do not accept men walking down the aisle hand in hand nor throwing each other all across a dance floor in an effeminate manner or dirty looks from guys are getting stared at for doing such.
richard 14
In Saudi Arabia, men walk hand in hand in all parts of the public all the time. It’s more open-minded than in the USA.
Vince
richard 14
Hardly open minded. You do understand they still have a death penalty for being gay in Saudi Arabia? Holding hands among men isn’t isn’t the same thing.
richard 14
Two men who dance together are not necessarily gay-identifying. The gay media shouldn’t be jumping to conclusions about their sexuality. Men should be allowed to dance together without the gay media – or society – trying to dictate their sexuality.
The take-home message is to avoid Croatia.
Wicked Dickie
They are not “soldiers”, they are “airman” (Air Force). Second, unless it was a gay club, might want to tread lightly in foreign countries. It definitely should not have happened, but always take care of yourself and be cognizant of your surroundings. Get well, Airmen.