NYPD Investigating Dallas BBQ Attack as Hate Crime

The New York Police Department is now investigating a recent attack on a gay couple as a hate crime, according to the victims.

Ethan York-Adams and Jonathan Snipes told New York TV station WCBS Wednesday that they had visited the NYPD Hate Crimes Unit after the violent attack, which occurred around 11p.m. Tuesday at the Dallas BBQ restaurant in Chelsea.

"At this moment, we're just going to get home. We're going to rest. We haven't been able to sleep yet because of the head injury that was sustained," Snipes said.

The couple said they were assaulted after Snipes accidentally spilled a drink while exiting the restaurant. He said he had received a text message informing him of a death of the family, which was the reason for his haste.

According to Snipes, the situation escalated quickly after he confronted a diner for calling them "white faggots." Snipes said the diner pushed him to the floor and kicked him, then smashed a chair over the couple's heads after they tried to retreat.

A video of the incident shows a crowd of people trying to restrain the attacker, and the subsequent attack with the piece of furniture. He fled the scene before police and medical assistance arrived.

The man who filmed the video, Isaam Sharef, told WCBS that it was Snipes who initiated a physical confrontation. But the attacker, who is estimated to be at least 6 foot 4 and around 35 years old, "was stomping to kill," Sharef said.

"In all my years, I had never seen anything like that," he said. "I had never seen somebody crack -- I mean like, you could hear the wood break; like, that heavy, thick wood upside that man's head."

Initially, it was reported that the police were not investigating the incident as a hate crime. A search for the attacker is ongoing.

Watch the report,and the videos below, but be warned of the violent content.