Prosecutors said in Tuesday that two males and a female had been charged in connection with a late-night beating of a gay couple on a Philadelphia street.

The suspects had been reportedly identified via online campaigns launched by social media users and online sleuths after police posted a video of the physical assault on the victims.

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In the footage, the gay couple could be seen to have been attacked by the suspects on a late-night stroll. Prior to their arrest, the suspects were merely described as "well-dressed".

The online movement that prompted their recent discovery provided investigators with roughly 12 men and women possible suspects.

Further investigation paved the way for the approval of the charges on three of the alleged suspects. District Attorney Seth Williams identified them as Philip Williams, Katherine Knott, and Kevin Harrigan. All three were said to be residents of Bucks County.

"This vicious attack shocked the entire country. An assault on people because of their sexual orientation has no place in Philadelphia," Williams shared in a statement.

Police reports show that on Sept. 11, Williams and Knott, both 24 years old, as well as Harrigan, 26, initially verbally abused the victims then physically attacked them as the couple walked on the street.

One of the victims had suffered critical injuries on his face, which included an orbital fracture. This required that his jaw be wired.

All three were charged with criminal conspiracy, as well as two counts each of aggravated and simple assault. They were also charged with reckless endangerment.

No comment had been provided by the lawyer of Philip Williams while the attorney representing Harrigan remains unknown.

On the other hand, Louis Busico, the lawyer of Knott, refuted all the allegations and claimed that his client did not participate in the incident due to any prejudice against homosexuals. In addition, Busico asserted that Knott did not at all contributed to the physical altercation, citing that she has relatives connected with law enforcement services.

At present, the hate-crimes law in Pennsylvania does not safeguard the rights of those attacked due to their sexual orientation. Hence, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey, Philadelphia Rep. Brian Sims, and other members of the community stated that this incident should prompt legislators to amend the said law.

TagsAssault, Philadelphia, hate crime, attack, physical beating