Miami Beach Gay Pride Attacks: 4 Surrender

MIAMI BEACH, FL — Four men surrendered to Miami Beach police on Tuesday in connection with Sunday's brutal assault of an openly gay couple and the Good Samaritan who rose to their defense. The attack occurred in the final hours of the Miami Beach Gay Pride festival along iconic Ocean Drive. Miami Beach police charged the four with aggravated battery.

"The four subjects have just surrendered at MBPD through an attorney," said Ernesto Rodriguez of the Miami Beach Police Department.

The four men were identified as 21-year-old Juan C. Lopez, 20-year-old Luis M. Alonso, 21-year-old Adonis Diaz and 21-year-old Pablo Reinaldo Romo.

Rodriguez told Patch earlier on Tuesday that police were investigating the incident as a possible hate crime though a final decision on whether to pursue enhanced penalties will be made by the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office.

"All charging decisions are always based on the evidence provided by the police and by witnesses after they both have been interviewed by prosecutors," explained Ed Griffith of the State Attorney's Office. "Those interviews would be a part of the post-arrest process."

Police released surveillance images of the four men on Monday night and asked for the public's help in finding them.

One of the men was seen in the video wearing a Florida International University shirt. FIU officials stressed on Tuesday that the school stands for "tolerance, diversity and inclusion" and urged the FIU community to help identify the men.

"The alleged actions of these individuals do not represent FIU values," university officials stressed.

Sunday marked the final day of the 10th anniversary celebration of the week-long festival. The event drew thousands to Miami Beach for a parade, fireworks display and concert by artist Taylor Dayne.

"The incident took place Sunday evening, after the Miami Beach Pride Parade where two male members of the LGBT community were attacked as well as a third Good Samaritan who tried to help," Rodriguez said earlier.

The incident occurred at 7:40 p.m. outside the public restrooms along 6 Street and Ocean Drive. All three victims are residents of Miami Beach, according to a police report of the incident.

The two LGBT victims said they were standing on the north side of the restrooms when they were apparently selected at random by their attackers.

The Anti-Defamation League of Florida said that the organization was "horrified by this brutal attack" and said that the Miami Beach Gay Pride festival is a time for celebration.

"It should never have to be a time for fear," according to organization officials.

Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber said he and Police Chief Daniel Oates met with members of the city's LGBTQ advisory committee earlier on Tuesday and briefed members on the "hateful attack."

Watch video of the attack below:

Photo and video courtesy Miami Beach Police Department