One Man Killed, Another Hospitalized After Stabbing at Bar

Two men were attacked at a gay bar in Long Beach last Friday night (September 9), leaving one dead and another severely injured, Long Beach Post reports.

Police said the stabbing took place at 11:45pm after an altercation with the attacker, who fled the scene before emergency services arrived. Both men were taken to hospital, but one later died as a result of his injuries. The victim has been identified by police as 28-year-old Christopher Finley. Jeff and Rhonda Darling, owners of the LGBTQ+ venue The Mineshaft, released a statement on Facebook describing the attack as “senseless violence” and offering their condolences.

Advocate reported the full statement: “My heart goes out to the love[d] ones of the person that lost his life and the family and friends of the person still hospitalized. Love will bring our neighborhood together and not let violence win.”

Though police have said there is no evidence that the stabbing was a hate crime, the venue owners also stated their concern over providing security for LGBTQ+ attendees:

“We have always wanted The Mineshaft to be a safe place in the community, but this serves as [a] message that tragedy can strike at any time”.

The Long Beach Police Department is still investigating the attack and has asked that anyone with any information contact them.

Keep up to date with the latest myGnews

LGBTQ+ professionals, LGBTQ+ Graduates, LGBTQ+ professional network, LGBTQ+ professional events, LGBTQ+ networking events, LGBTQ+ Recruitment, LGBTQ+ Friendly organizations, LGBTQ+ Friendly companies, LGBTQ+ jobs