Suspects identified in possible hate attack against same-sex couple in northwest Calgary

Update Aug. 7, 2020:The two men identified in photos released by police, whom CBC is not naming because they have not been charged, say they and their families have received threats after being publicly identified elsewhere.

"Quite simply, stories have been circulated about us that are simply false," they said in a statement. "We fully intend to defend ourselves."

"We ask that the public remember the common wisdom that every story has two sides. We will provide ours in due course."

Calgary police removed the photos from their website after the men were identified. CBC News has also removed the photos from its site.

Calgary police say many tips from the public have led investigators to identify the suspects in connection with an assault on a same-sex couple earlier this week.

On Monday, the couple was walking near the intersection of Ninth Street and Memorial Drive N.W. when two men and two women on electric scooters approached them.

Police said it's believed the two men on scooters assaulted the couple because of their sexual orientation, using a belt, rocks and a recycling bin as weapons.

Police searched the area but couldn't locate the group.

The victims were treated for injuries that were non-life-threatening.

On Wednesday, police said they were able to identify the suspects, thanks to numerous tips from members of the public.

"Investigations of this nature can be complex, and we ask for patience as we collect and process all the evidence," police said in a release.

No further details were revealed.

Investigations also continue into two other suspected hate-motivated crimes against members of the LGBT community that happened over the long weekend.

On Friday, a man was assaulted and called homophobic slurs by a group of men near the intersection of 17th Avenue and 12th Street S.W., police said.

And on Saturday at 1 p.m., a drag king was recording a video on the rainbow crosswalk at the intersection of Centre Street and Stephen Avenue S.W., when a man spat on the performance artist. Police are investigating and collecting security camera footage to help identify the man.