Allen County, Indiana — One week after a man was attacked by Outlaws Motorcycle Gang members at a Waynedale pub, the establishment remains closed.
Pike’s Pub has been closed since James Simmons, a Black man, was brutally attacked last Friday night by a group of white men hurling racial slurs, who police say are members of the Outlaws.
The incident was caught on video and widely shared on social media, sparking a community outcry for a thorough investigation.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Allen County Sheriff Troy Hershberger described the incident as “deeply disturbing” and “rooted in hate”. He stated that his department is collaborating with the FBI on a thorough investigation to hold all parties involved accountable.
Once the investigation is completed, the prosecutor’s office will decide on charges.
Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker, Allen County Prosecutor Mike McAlexander, Allen County Commissioner Therese Brown, and other community activists spoke out on Wednesday, urging anyone with information to come forward and speak with police.
Simmons spoke publicly for the first time since the attack on Thursday, stating that he is filing charges and thanking the community for its support.
Simmons was joined by pastor Carlton Lynch, who said Simmons was never a threat to anyone at the bar and called for it to be shut down indefinitely, saying owners have not taken accountability for what happened.
21Alive News has not been able to get in touch with bar owners about when they would possibly reopen or to get a statement on the investigation.
