DC police arrest suspect who allegedly threatened man with machete, used anti-LGBTQ slurs

Police in Washington, D.C., said they have made an arrest after a suspect allegedly threatened a man with a machete, used anti-LGBTQ slurs and said “I’ll silence you.”

D.C. police say the suspect began harassing a man and using anti-gay slurs at approximately 3 p.m. Saturday in the city’s Shaw neighborhood.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said the suspect returned to the area as the victim was dining outside and while carrying what appeared to be a machete. 

The victim said the suspect stabbed cicadas on the ground and flicked them at him, in addition to saying “I’ll silence you” while waving the knife. 

MPD confirmed to The Hill that a male juvenile has been arrested in the case. 

MPD said in a Sunday statement that the suspect fled the scene of the incident, and no injuries were reported. 

Police are investigating the incident as a possible hate crime.

June marks Pride Month in the U.S., and Washington. D.C., held a Pride walk and rally on Saturday.