A 23-year-old man was arrested in the Landes region of France after a violent attack on a gay couple in Mont-de-Marsan on Christmas Eve. The suspect admitted to the attack, which took place in a residential parking lot and resulted in serious injuries for both victims. Legal proceedings are underway, and LGBT+ rights organizations have offered their support to the couple. According to investigators, the attack occurred on the evening of December 25. The suspect was driving in a parking lot when he was verbally confronted by the couple, aged 37 and 48, who asked him to be careful around their vehicle. This remark provoked an immediate and violent reaction. The man allegedly hurled several homophobic insults before physically attacking the two occupants of the car. One of the victims was thrown to the ground and then punched and kicked. Medical examinations revealed a broken nose and multiple lacerations. His partner, who intervened to try to protect him, was also attacked. He suffered a broken finger, bruises, and persistent hip pain. Both men filed a police report the following day.
An intoxicated suspect and prolonged violence until police intervention
Neighbors, alerted by the violence of the scene, contacted the police. Upon arrival, officers attempted to arrest the suspect, who reportedly tried to flee. According to the Landes National Police, the man was subdued with some difficulty and bit one of the officers during his arrest. Tests revealed a blood alcohol level of 0,9 mg per liter of exhaled air. During questioning, the young man confessed to all the charges. He had no prior criminal record and no prior convictions, stated the public prosecutor of Mont-de-Marsan. In light of the confession, the case was referred for a plea bargain. The suspect is expected to stand trial in the coming weeks. The charges include aggravated assault, homophobic insults, and offenses committed under the influence of alcohol.
The attack sparked strong emotions both locally and beyond.
The Stop Homophobia association has issued a statement denouncing the violence, which it describes as a serious attack on the dignity and safety of those involved. The organization emphasizes that this type of assault, occurring in an ordinary living environment, illustrates the persistence of violence targeting same-sex couples. The association also indicated that it supports victims in their legal, medical, and psychological processes, stressing the importance of comprehensive care following this type of trauma. It calls for a firm legal response and increased vigilance against homophobic violence. The investigation is ongoing to clarify all the circumstances of the attack. Judicial authorities reiterate that violence motivated by sexual orientation constitutes an aggravated offense under the law and is subject to specific criminal penalties.
