
A man accused of vicious attacks against transgender individuals in Atlanta has been granted bond. Michael Boykin, 28, was arrested on Monday last week after a tip led police to his whereabouts near Ponce de Leon Avenue. Although considered armed and dangerous, authorities did not find a firearm on him at the time of his arrest.
According to FOX5 Atlanta, following the release of body camera footage showing the moment of his apprehension, Boykin faces charges that include aggravated assault, criminal trespass, battery, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to an officer captured on video during the arrest, "Mr. Boykin, I've been looking for you."
It remains unclear if he will also face hate crime charges, with the bond set at $85,000, as mentioned in WSB-TV report. Witnesses have recounted observations of Boykin's recurrent aggression, seeing victims left with injuries as severe as swollen faces and black eyes, however, none of these reports have been directly linked to hate crime charges yet.
Investigators say Boykin has a history of attacking transgender people. A security guard told police that Boykin has been assaulting transgender individuals for a long time. Atlanta Police believe there may be more victims and are working with the Department of Homeland Security to continue their investigation.
This series of attacks occurs during a nationwide rise in violence against the LGBTQ community. Jeff Graham, Executive Director of Georgia Equality, told WSB-TV, "In 2023, it was reported that 2,800 acts of violence were reported to the FBI against members of the LGBTQ community. Almost 600 of those were specifically targeted against transgender individuals."
As the case progresses, the District Attorney's Office will decide whether to add hate crime charges against Boykin.