Man in life-threatening condition after being attacked with sword near Church of 8 Wheels [Updated]

Man in life-threatening condition after being attacked with sword near Church of 8 Wheels [Updated]Image: Google
Allie Pape
Published on April 01, 2019

A man has been hospitalized in life-threatening condition after being attacked by another man with a sword on Friday evening.

The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. on March 29, outside the Church of 8 Wheels, the roller-skating rink at Fillmore and Fell streets.

According to police, the suspect, a 30-year-old man, initially approached the victim was initially approached by the victim, who flipped the hat that the suspect was wearing off his head. 

In response, the suspect took out a sword and struck the victim's left hand, partially severing it. He then fled the scene, weapon still in hand.

The victim, whose age was not given, was hospitalized in critical condition. No arrest has been made in the case as of yet.

Update, 12:30 p.m.: While an official police report initially stated that the suspect had attempted to remove a hat from the victim's head before attacking him, police have confirmed to Hoodline that the report was incorrect. The victim was the one who attempted to remove the hat from the sword-wielding suspect's head. 

According to a report in the Chronicle, the hat in question was a "Make America Great Again" hat. Scott Sweeney, 24, who was visiting the roller rink that night, told the Chronicle that he saw the suspect wearing the hat, typically donned by supporters of President Trump, about half an hour before he attacked the victim.

According to Sweeney, the suspect shouted homophobic slurs at him. Sweeney also told the Chronicle that he had seen the sword tucked into a sheath in the back of the man's jacket, but assumed it was a fake. 

Reached this morning, police declined to comment on what was written on the hat. But David Miles, proprietor of the Church of 8 Wheels, posted this graphic photo from the crime scene, which shows a "MAGA" hat amidst blood on the sidewalk: 

While many news outlets have reported that the victim's injuries were superficial, a police spokesperson confirmed to Hoodline that he was in life-threatening condition when he was hospitalized.

Police declined to share further information as to the identity of the suspect or victim, adding that the case remains under investigation. They also declined to comment as to whether the case is being investigated as a hate crime.


Anyone who has information about this incident is encouraged to contact SFPD via the department's anonymous tip line at (415) 575-4444, or text TIP411 with "SFPD" at the start of the message.

Did you witness the incident on Friday night? If so, we'd love to hear from you: email [email protected] or text (415) 200-3233.