Local News

3 facing charges after allegedly yelling homophobic slurs in Provincetown

Each is facing two counts of disorderly conduct; police said additional charges may still be filed.

July 8, 2025

2 minutes to read

Charges have been filed against two 19-year-olds and a minor, all three accused of yelling homophobic slurs from a car at people as they drove through Provincetown last week “threateningly with air horns,” authorities said.

Ryan Mahimtura of Framingham, Henry Ward of Hudson, and the unnamed minor, also from Hudson, are each charged with two counts of disorderly conduct in connection with the July 1 incident, Provincetown police said. Additional charges may still be filed, police said.

The incident is one of a “series” of events targeting the town’s LGBTQ+ community that Provincetown officials say have happened recently.

In another incident, a man reported being beaten by three men who used a homophobic slur during the predawn assault on June 30.

“These events are disturbing, and we share the fear and discomfort they are causing in our community,” Town Manager Alex Morse said in a statement last week. “The Town and the Provincetown Police Department are taking these incidents very seriously and are actively investigating.”

In a statement on Tuesday, town officials said the investigation into the June 30 assault “remains active and ongoing.”

Chris Kostka, who identified himself in videos shared on social media as the victim in the June attack, said it happened as he was walking home from a friend’s.

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

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

Provincetown police urged anyone with information about the June 30 attack to contact Detective Sergeant Jennifer Nolette at (508) 487-1212, or via email at [email protected]. The department also operates a tip line at (508) 487-2828 or through email at [email protected].

Town officials held a community safety forum Tuesday afternoon to provide updates on the recent incidents, share safety tips, and hear from residents.