SALT LAKE CITY — About two weeks after two people were assaulted by a group of men in a parking lot in Salt Lake City following a disagreement about a Confederate flag decal, police have released enhanced images of the suspects wanted in connection with the case.
According to a press release from the Salt Lake City Police Department, the assault occurred Halloween night when the two victims confronted a group of men near the victims’ vehicle in a parking lot at the Double Tree Hotel, 110 West 600 South. The assault was caught on camera, click here for the video and the original report on the incident.
One of the men was knocked out in the fight and the other required facial surgery, police stated. One of those men told FOX 13 the assault occurred after an argument about a Confederate flag decal on his friend’s truck.
The victims were in town for a Garth Brooks concert.
“I’ll be damned if I ever come to Salt Lake again without bringing my gun,” one of the men said of the experience.
Thursday, police provided several images they stated were cleaned up and enhanced to better show the suspects. The suspect who threw the first punch is pictured wearing a blue Washington Nationals hoodie and a white Halloween mask, which was propped up on top of his head. He had on black pants. The group is described as five or six black males and one Hispanic male.
Sgt. Robin Heiden, Salt Lake City Police Department, told FOX 13 News November 2 that the extent of charges the suspects will face is something that will be determined by the District Attorney.
“It could potentially be a hate crime,” Heiden said. “We’ll then present all that to the District Attorney, who will make that final determination.”
Anyone who recognizes the men in the photos or who has knowledge of their whereabouts is asked to call Salt Lake City PD at 801-799-3000.
See below for our original report on the incident, which includes footage of the assault. WARNING: The footage may be upsetting to some. Viewer discretion is advised.
