Gay man attacked in shocking homophobic assault caught on camera

Police are searching for a man wanted in connection with a violent homophobic attack after he was videod hitting a gay man.

Salt Lake City's KUTV reports that the man is seen asking the victim:

Are you gay though?

The victim, Sal Trejo, replies:

Oh, I am.

The suspect responds:

Oh then you're gay?

As Trejo tries to answer, the suspect starts to hit him.

Due to the shocking and distressing nature of the footage, the video quickly went viral on Twitter.

Trejo told KUTV that the attack happened just before 2am. He said the man walked up and started making misogynistic and homophobic comments to him and his friends. After becoming concerned with his agressive behaviour, they began to video him.

The perpetrator was clearly drunk and began punching Trejo in the arm. Shockingly, he then reportedly pulled a knife on another member of his group and pushed one of his female friends. The man then stepped into a black BMW and drove away erratically, given he appeared to be under the influence.

Twitter users were full of support for Trejo and the rest of his group after the harrowing encounter.

H/T: CBS News