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Suspects in alleged hate crime in Provincetown used homophobic slur during attack, police say

Chris Kostka told police he was walking on Bradford Street early Monday morning when three men got out of a black Lexus sedan, pushed him to the ground, and started kicking him.

July 1, 2025

1 minute to read

The suspects in the alleged assault on a man early Monday morning used a homophobic slur during the attack, Provincetown police said Tuesday.

Police said the man told investigators he was walking on Bradford Street in the area of Howland Street in the east end between 1 and 2 a.m. Monday when a black Lexus sedan pulled up. The man told police three white men in their 20s or 30s got out of the car and beat him, using a homophobic slur during the assault.

“Those in the area of Howland St. are asked to check any security or doorbell cameras they may have between the early morning hours of 1:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. on Monday, June 30th,” police said in a statement.

The victim was evaluated by paramedics when police spoke with him later Monday and did not require hospitalization, the department said.

The man, who identified himself as Chris Kostka in videos shared on social media, said the attack happened as he was walking home from a friend’s. In the videos, he has a cut and bruise below his left eye and what appears to be bruising on his left shoulder and chest.

Kostka told viewers repeatedly that he was “fine.”

“Whenever anybody says being gay is a choice, like, yeah. I chose this,” he said sarcastically in one of the videos, pointing to his bruised face.

Kostka said the assault lasted about 30 seconds, with the three men getting back into the car afterwards and driving off.

“I’m fine, but everyone, always stay vigilant,” he said in another video. “You never know what can happen, no matter where you are. Like, I’m in P-town, and this happened.”

Provincetown police said Monday they are taking the report ”very seriously” and said all officers have been alerted to the incident and “will continue working hard to stay vigilant and keep everyone safe.”

Police are asking anyone with information to contact Detective Sergeant Jennifer Nolette at (508) 487-1212, or via email at [email protected]. Information can also be submitted through the department’s tip line at (508) 487-2828 or email at [email protected].