Hate Crime: ‘Fag’ Painted On Gay Man’s Car Then Blown Up In Front Of Him

Jon Ferguson, a 25-year old gay Oklahoma City man Saturday morning saw his car spray painted with the word “fag,’ then blown up feet away from him as he approached.  Ferguson was rushed to the hospital with 1st and 2nd degree burns as the flames from his Camaro rose ten feet into the air. Oklahoma City Fire Department and local officials are treating this only as a case of arson, and not as a hate crime, for now. No, seriously. Arson. Not a hate crime — yet. (The New Civil Rights Movement called the Oklahoma City Fire Department and we’re awaiting a call back — we’ll update you when we get a response.) And sadly, the vandals may have won. “It’s almost not worth being proud of who you are, and trying to show that you’re gay, because stuff like this really does happen,” Ferguson tells local Oklahoma City News 9 TV. “I’ve always seen it on the news that kids are dying and stuff because they’re being bullied, and you’re 25 years old and something like this happens to you. It’s almost not worth it, and you understand why kids don’t come out of the closet.”

Ferguson rushed inside his home and called 911. He also jumped in the shower and attempted to peel parts of his melted shirt off body. One of his roommates took a photo of the burning car while waiting for fire and police crews to arrive. Ferguson was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance with first and second degree burns to his face, arms and torso. He was treated and released. On Sunday, the 25 year old returned home for the first time since the fire. … The Oklahoma City Fire Department is investigating the fire and right now the case is considered to be an act of arson. Chief Homer Jones tells News 9 investigators plan to interview Ferguson again to obtain additional information and details, but right now there are no suspects. Chief Jones said if it is a hate crime, the Oklahoma City Fire and Police Departments would continue to conduct the investigation.

Readers, what can we do for Jon Ferguson to show him our support and prove that coming out is worth it, and that we won’t ever let bullies and criminals force anyone back into the closet? Leave your thoughts in the comments, or email me.

News9.com – Oklahoma City, OK – News, Weather, Video and Sports |  Hat-tip: Think Progress