Gay student claims hate attack in beating at Illinois State University

A gay Illinois State University student is recovering from injuries he said he suffered during a hate-inspired beatdown Saturday morning near campus.

Normal Police said the apparent attack is under investigation but could not confirm it was a hate crime.

Eric Unger said he had just left a party and was walking home alone about 2:30 a.m. in the 100 block of West Willow Street when a group of men passed him from behind — and one of them knocked his phone out of his hand.