Florida Man Charged With Hate Crime After Allegedly Beating 5-Year-Old Boy “for Being Gay”

Authorities say the suspect told deputies he wanted to “beat the gay out of him” after allegedly assaulting the child multiple times in a case that has sparked outrage and renewed concerns over anti-LGBTQ+ violence targeting youth.

A Florida man is facing aggravated child abuse charges with a hate crime enhancement after authorities allege he brutally assaulted a 5-year-old boy because he believed the child was gay.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, 33-year-old Andre Brown Jr., of Davenport, Fla., was arrested Sunday, May 3, following an investigation into allegations of abuse involving three children who were in his care.

The investigation began after a 9-year-old girl reportedly contacted her mother in fear, telling her Brown was physically abusing the children. In text messages shared by authorities, the girl allegedly wrote, “I’m scared, he’s whooping him so hard, I’m scared.”

During interviews conducted by investigators, the children stated that Brown became angry with the 5-year-old boy “for being gay” before allegedly slamming the child onto the ground multiple times, according to the sheriff’s office.

Authorities also allege Brown then turned his anger toward the other two children over what was described as a past incident, striking all three children with a belt.

Investigators said the children showed visible injuries consistent with abuse. While the 9-year-old girl and another boy reportedly had marks on their bodies, officials said the injuries sustained by the 5-year-old were the most severe.

The sheriff’s office further alleged that Brown admitted to hitting the child because he believed the boy was gay.

According to the arrest release, Brown allegedly told deputies he would “beat the gay out of him if possible, but since it wasn’t possible, he would beat him more.”

Brown has been charged with aggravated child abuse with a hate crime enhancement, as well as resisting arrest, according to the sheriff’s office. Court records reviewed on Tuesday did not indicate whether Brown has entered a plea. His arraignment is reportedly scheduled for June.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd condemned the alleged assault in a statement accompanying the arrest announcement.

“This was a brutal and hateful attack on a defenseless child,” Judd said. “There is absolutely no excuse for it. We will make sure justice is served, and these children get the safety and support they deserve.”

The case arrives amid continuing national concern surrounding violence and hostility directed toward LGBTQ+ people, particularly queer and gender-nonconforming youth. Advocacy organizations have repeatedly warned that anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and stigma can contribute to environments where children face bullying, abuse, and isolation, often before they are old enough to fully understand or articulate their identities.

According to data from child welfare and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, queer youth are disproportionately vulnerable to family rejection, homelessness, and physical violence. Mental health experts have also emphasized that exposure to abuse at a young age can have long-term emotional and psychological impacts, especially when tied to shame or identity-based targeting.

While authorities have not publicly provided additional details about the relationship between Brown and the children, the allegations have drawn widespread condemnation online, with many expressing horror at the idea of a child allegedly being targeted over perceived sexuality at such a young age.

Florida’s hate crime statute allows for enhanced penalties when a criminal offense is allegedly motivated by prejudice based on factors including sexual orientation. Prosecutors have not yet publicly announced additional details regarding how they plan to pursue the enhancement in Brown’s case.

As of Tuesday, Brown remained listed in custody records associated with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to Childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.