NYPD investigating beating of gay journalist

NEW YORK (AP) — New York City police are investigating the beating of an openly gay journalist as a possible bias attack.

An NYPD spokesman says the hate crimes task force is investigating the beating of journalist Randy Gener. Police say the 46-year-old man was found lying on the ground unconscious with head trauma Jan. 19 at about 3 a.m.

WCBS-AM reports Gener has undergone brain surgery at St. Luke’s Hospital since the attack. His family and friends are holding a vigil Sunday night and want the public to help find his attacker.

WCBS-AM says Gener was an award-winning arts journalist who has worked for several national media outlets.