FBI, Atlanta Police Probe Attack Captured on Video

The federal govement has joined the investigation into a shocking video that captures the beating of a man on a southwest Atlanta street coer.

The attack occurred in front of a store on McDaniel Street in the Pittsburgh community.

Atlanta police released surveillance video of the brutal attack on Tuesday. In it, it shows several men jumping the victim, even using a tire in the attack. A short time later, a bystander in an orange shirt is seen leading the victim away from the attackers.

"That was an unspeakable crime and we're not going to tolerate it in the city of Atlanta. Our city has no place for that kind of behavior. I'm glad that it was made public," said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed.

Police are looking for the people who beat a teen outside a southwest Atlanta store Saturday.

Reed said city police and the FBI are working to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The victim came forward to authorities, along with a key witness, officials said.

A local community organization canvassed the neighborhood on Tuesday, asking if anyone saw the beating.

"That was a human being who got jumped on for nonsense because of a so-called gang in this community. If we don't save our kids, we're going to lose another generation," said Gerald Rose of the New Order National Human Rights Organization.

The United States Attoey's Office will try to determine if the attack that happened on Saturday was a hate crime. Members of the gay community believe the man was attacked because of his lifestyle.

A video of the incident was first seen on the website worldstarhiphop.com. In that video, attackers can be heard yelling gay slurs and referencing the gang "Jack City" as they punch and kicked the victim.

”The fact of the matter is that the only reason why it’s gotten so much attention is because it got on film. Unfortunately, sometimes like this have to happen for there to be a teachable moment. I’m so saddened that this young man had to be assaulted physically in order for us to lea something from this, said Devin Barrington Ward of Change Atlanta.

One neighbor said some members of the community have demonstrated hostility towards gay people in the past.

The victim was apparently using his cell phone when he left the store. It appears, in the middle of the attack, that one of the attackers jumping on the victim grabbed something and ran away. It may give police a possible motive in the case.

Police say they are making progress in their investigation.

A $5,000 reward is being offered for information about the beating. Anyone with information on the beating is urged to call CrimeStoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477.

Feds, Atlanta Police Probe Attack Captured on Video: MyFoxATLANTA.com