MOBILE, AL – LGBT rights activists are calling for hate crimes charges to be filed in a Thanksgiving Day assault against a 23-year-old lesbian. Mallory Owens attended a Thanksgiving gathering at the home of her girlfriend’s family, where she was attacked by her girlfriend’s brother. She was hospitalized after sustaining several severe injuries, including skull fractures, bleeding on the brain, a broken nose, and crushed cheek bones.

Travis Hawkins, Jr., 18, was arrested and charged with second-degree assault. Rights groups and Owens’ family are calling for hate crime charges to be filed by Mobile County District Attorney Ashley Rich.