London, UK – An 18-year-old transgender girl was brutally stabbed 14 times at a birthday celebration in London last weekend, in what appears to be a horrific act of anti-trans violence.
The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, was reportedly attending a party at the Harrow Leisure Center Roller Rink when a group of people began hurling transphobic slurs at her. This escalated into a violent attack, with the assailant repeatedly stabbing the victim with a knife. Fortunately, the victim was rushed to the hospital and has since been discharged, according to a statement from the Metropolitan Police.
Four individuals have been arrested in connection with the attack, and one of them, 19-year-old Summer Betts-Ramsey, has been charged with attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon in public. Despite denying involvement in the stabbing, Betts-Ramsey remains in custody until a plea hearing on March 12.
In the wake of the incident, Detective Inspector Nicola Hannant of the Metropolitan Police described the attack as “shocking and violent,” expressing ongoing support for the victim and her family as she recovers from her injuries. Authorities are diligently working to bring those responsible to justice and are making progress with the investigation.
This attack is a harrowing reminder of the pervasive and deadly nature of anti-trans violence. Just over a year ago, 16-year-old Brianna Ghey was fatally stabbed by two 15-year-olds near her home in Birchwood, Warrington. The perpetrators of this heinous act have recently been sentenced to lifetime imprisonment, with the possibility of parole in two decades.
These incidents underscore the urgent need for greater awareness and concrete measures to combat anti-trans violence and protect the lives of transgender individuals. It is a sobering reality that demands collective action and unwavering advocacy for the safety and well-being of the transgender community.