Omaha Police Probe Assault as Anti-Gay Hate Crime

OMAHA, Neb. -- Omaha police have begun investigating an assault in the Old Market area as a hate crime.

Ryan Langenegger says he was punched in the face by a man who, with some other men, had been making fun of two gay friends of Langenegger.

The two had been to a drag show with Langenegger. The three later went to a restaurant in the area early Sunday morning. One of them was wearing a dress.

Langenegger says he tried talking to the men, who been using anti-gay slurs and said the men were disgusting. One of them hit him in the face.

Police have reported no arrests.

Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert said Thursday that "hate crimes in our community will not be tolerated."