🚨 Trans Woman Brutally Assaulted in Repeated Bar Attack — Police Investigating as Hate Crime

A horrifying series of attacks on a 61-year-old transgender woman in Los Angeles has sparked national outrage and renewed demands for action against hate-fueled violence.

💔 A Safe Space Turned Deadly

Sabrina de la Peña, a longtime convenience store owner in the Westlake neighborhood, was lured into a local bar in early April under false pretenses. What began as a seemingly normal interaction escalated into a violent assault after Sabrina rejected a man’s sexual advances. When he discovered she was transgender, the situation turned brutal.

Sabrina was sexually assaulted and physically beaten in the bar. But the violence didn’t end there.

🔁 Repeat Attacks — And Escalating Danger

Over the course of several days, the same man returned—this time with accomplices. They targeted Sabrina again and again with increasingly vicious tactics: she was attacked with a skateboard, doused with unknown liquids, pepper-sprayed, and nearly struck with a stun gun. Surveillance footage and witness reports confirm the group’s persistence and clear intent to harm.

⚖️ Police Classify Case as Hate Crime

The Los Angeles Police Department has officially categorized the incident as a hate crime, citing Sabrina’s gender identity as the motive behind the assaults. Detectives believe the attackers may have victimized others in the area and are urging the public to come forward with information.

Authorities have released images of the suspects and are calling on the community to assist in identifying them.

🗣️ Sabrina Speaks Out

Living in fear, Sabrina has gone public with her story. “If they’re not stopped, they’re going to kill me,” she said, visibly shaken. Despite the trauma, she hopes her voice will inspire action—and protect others from similar violence.

🔎 Community Response

LGBTQ+ advocacy groups are calling the attack a chilling example of the rising danger faced by trans individuals, particularly trans women of color. Local activists are demanding stronger legal protections and more aggressive prosecution of hate crimes.

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📢 What You Can Do

If you have any information about the suspects or witnessed any part of the attack, please contact the LAPD Rampart Division immediately. Every tip could be critical in bringing justice for Sabrina—and preventing future assaults.

A horrifying series of attacks on a 61-year-old transgender woman in Los Angeles has sparked national outrage and renewed demands for action against hate-fueled violence. 💔 A Safe Space Turned Deadly Sabrina de la Peña, a longtime convenience store owner in the Westlake neighborhood, was lured into a local bar in early April under false…