UPDATE: Three Accused Philadelphia Gay Bashers Surrender – One Is Police Chief’s Daughter

The three people who are charged with the Sept. 11 attack on a same-sex couple in downtown Philadelphia surrendered to police this morning.

Philip Williams and Katherine Knott surrendered to Philadelphia Police around 7:30 this morning. Knott, it turns out, is the daughter of Chalfont, Pennsylvania Police Chief Karl Knott. Police are still waiting for the third suspect in the Sept. 11 antigay hate attack, Kevin Harrigan, to surrender.

UPDATE I: The AP reports that Harrigan has now surrendered.

UPDATE II: Tweets Reveal Arrested Suspect In Philadelphia Anti-Gay Attack Has Homophobic History

UPDATE III: Here Are The Arrested Philadelphia Anti-Gay Attack Suspects’ Mugshots

All three will face charges of aggravated assault, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person (REAP), and criminal conspiracy. 

“Williams, 24, didn’t speak as he arrived at Central Detectives but his attorney Fortunato Perri, Jr. did comment on the case as did Knott’s attorney,” NBC 10 reports.

“Perri told reporters Wednesday that the case was not related to anyone’s sexual orientation. He said it was instead what he called a ‘mutual confrontation’ in which his client ‘was not the aggressor.’ Knott’s attorney said his client played no role in the confrontation.”

Witnesses corroborate victims’ stories that members of the gang of 12-15 asked one o the victims if the other was his “fucking boyfriend.” They were also reportedly called “dirty faggots.” One of the victims was beaten so badly his jaw has been wired shut. The other received serious injuries as well.

There have been many reports that attorneys for all three suspects claim their clients acted in self defense. One local Philadelphia police officer who predicts the suspects might not see any jail time responded to the claims of self-defense.

“You have two little guys who are gonna pick a fight with a mob, a bunch of meatheads? I haven’t seen that happen.”

 

Related on The New Civil Rights Movement:

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Philadelphia Archbishop Statement On Anti-Gay Attack Offers No Support For Victims

Catholic High School Coach Fired For His Role In Beating Of Philadelphia Gay Couple

Philly Anti-Gay Hate Attack: Federal Officials At Dept. Of Justice Watching