Bellingham Police investigate potential hate crime, assault of apartment building security guard

Bellingham Police are investigating a potential hate crime after a security guard was assaulted outside an apartment building on N. Samish Way on Sunday night. The victim reported that he confronted two men smoking too close to the entrance, prompting one suspect to become violent. This individual pushed the guard to the ground, choked him, and threatened to kill him while using a racial slur that did not match the guard's ethnicity. The other suspect helped restrain the guard and attempted to incite his dog to attack.

Police arrested both suspects, a 38-year-old white man and a 51-year-old Hispanic or Latino man, who remain in custody at the Whatcom County Jail without bail. Bellingham Police Lt. Claudia Murphy confirmed the ongoing investigation to assess if hate crime charges are appropriate. This incident highlights growing concerns about public safety and hate-related violence in the community. Local advocates are calling for stronger measures to combat hate crimes and protect vulnerable populations.