Trans Woman Hospitalized After Attack in Philadelphia
On June 1, 2025, a transgender woman was hospitalized due to chemical burns following an attack in the streets of Philadelphia.
The Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) is actively searching for “three boys” seen at the scene, who later boarded a train. This information was shared in a press release on June 6. Authorities suspect this incident may qualify as aggravated assault.
Notably, the actual incident occurred outside of camera coverage.
According to Captain Robert McKeber from the PPD’s Southwest Detective Division, the suspects appeared to be around 8 to 12 years old. He mentioned in an interview that there was likely no prior relationship between the suspect and the victim before the attack.
“She was just walking to her destination, wearing her earphones, which meant there was no interaction,” McKeber elaborated.
A friend of the victim, Shiro Colon, recounted, “They were walking towards her when they stopped and threw acid.” The police claimed the suspects were present on the train platform before the attack.
McKeber noted that the assailants were seen with cups, but authorities are still investigating the nature of the chemical involved, its origin, and the reason the suspect was carrying it. Victims expressed that the chemical was identified as a corrosive acidic liquid, which is believed to be battery acid. Colon suspects that this attack might have been motivated by hate, as Diana was in that area celebrating the beginning of Pride Month.
The police are exploring various angles in their investigation, but there’s speculation that it could have been a random act. The attack left Diana with second and third-degree burns on multiple areas of her body.
According to a GoFundMe page set up to assist with medical expenses, Diana has been heavily bandaged since the incident and will need at least two skin grafts, with doctors warning that she may require multiple surgeries. In total, more than $68,000 has been raised to support her hospitalization and recovery costs.
