By NANCY WEST, InDepthNH.org
SOMERSWORTH – The Attorney General’s Office and local police are investigating a complaint by the owners of Wm. Poole Confections that they were attacked Monday night by a group of juveniles who also tried a week earlier to break into their residence above the chocolate shop.
William Poole said on Facebook that he and his partner Loren suffered a homophobic attack in front of the chocolate shop at 56 High St., next to Somersworth City Hall, after confronting the juveniles Monday night. He said the same juveniles tried to break into their residence a week earlier.
Somersworth police said in a news release they are looking into both incidents to see if they rise to the level of civil rights violations.
Mike Garrity, spokesman for Attorney General John Formella, said:
“Our Civil Rights Unit is certainly aware of this incident and is actively working with the Somersworth Police Department and our law enforcement partners to look into it further. Anyone who has information is encouraged to contact the Somersworth Police Department or the Attorney General’s Office.”
On Facebook William Poole said: “Tonight escalated into a hate-fueled assault on Loren and myself, with additional homophobic taunts and an attack with weapons, I was struck on the eye with a blunt instrument a few times and once in the mouth.
“During our time with the police, one of the fathers drove by with a threat of ‘I’ll be seeing you two,’” while the cops were still there. We’re both out of hospital, lacerations, bruises and concussion, ct scan & stitches ………and shaken. I fear for my life and that of my partner, and I fear that our home and business with be further antagonized or damaged. We will not reenter our home and business without police escort. I will defend myself and my home, and my partner’s life and our home.
“All events, farmer’s markets and parties/weddings are canceled, refunds given. The shop is CLOSED,” Poole said.
Reached Tuesday by phone, Poole said he didn’t want to further comment until the investigation is complete except to thank the community for its support.
A GoFundMe page was set up for the couple by Crystal Paradis-Catanzaro and had raised more than $2,000 by 7 p.m. Tuesday of the $20,000 sought.
“We, the community of Somersworth, New Hampshire and all those who love William, Loren and their delightful downtown business, Wm. Poole Confectioners, are raising funds to surround them with community love and support during this time,” the page says.
Somersworth Police Capt. Matthew Duval said in a news release that responding officers found all parties involved suffered some type of minor injuries. Two juveniles and one adult were taken to Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover with non-life threatening injuries. He said a firearm was brandished during the altercation in front of Somersworth City Hall next to the business, but not discharged. Duval didn’t say who owns the firearm.
“The Somersworth Police are looking into whether or not these two incidents rise to the level of civil rights violations on the two business owners due to their sexual orientation,” Duval wrote.
William Poole had posted on Facebook after the first incident on July 16.
“On the evening of Sunday, July 16, two-individuals of a small group of young people attempted to break into our residence, they made it up and onto the ledge roof of the building when I discovered the noise and yelled at them to get out and get down off the roof…When confronted on the sidewalk, the group shouted homophobic slurs at us…,” Poole wrote.
“The group either called us N*ZIS or said they were going to sic N*ZIS on us, it’s unclear what they thought they were verbally projecting, either way it is disturbing to hear that type of talk when this country literally went to war over such a thing-they probably don’t teach that in schools anymore,” Poole wrote.
Somersworth Mayor Dana Hilliard said in a statement:
“Somersworth stands with William Poole and his husband Loren and will do everything it can to help our fellow citizens and ensure that justice is brought against the assailants.
“The ugly face of hate continues to raise its head in all 50 states and is gaining strength through the open assault on all minorities and members of the LGBTQ+ community, by elected officials who are validating actions of discrimination, hate, and assault through the narrative of intolerance they continue to spread,” Hilliard said. “Hate has never and will never have a place in Somersworth or America.”
State Sen. David Watters, D-Dover,said, “The state of New Hampshire, including the District 4 communities of Somersworth and Dover, has seen a rise in expressions of anti-LGBTQ+ hate and discrimination. These incidents are not unique nor limited to the Granite State, but as an elected official who knows that our community values oppose prejudice in all its forms, it is important to combat bias and bigotry wherever and whenever it occurs. Although community leaders in Somersworth, Dover, and across the state have worked to create welcoming and inclusive places, there is clearly more to be done to safeguard those efforts and our LGBTQ+ neighbors.”