2 men beaten in possible hate crime in NYC restaurant

NEW YORK CITY (KABC) -- The New York City Police Department is investigating a possible hate crime after two men leaving a Manhattan restaurant were attacked.

The beating was caught on camera. The men were hit over the head with a chair, knocked to the ground and kicked by two other men, who were reportedly yelling anti-gay slurs.

Ethan York-Adams, 25, tried to shield his boyfriend just before getting hit with the chair and falling to the ground. His boyfriend, Jonathan Snipes, 32, had a tooth knocked loose and cartilage in his ear was snapped during the beating.

Authorities said the incident was sparked by a spilled drink, but the reported anti-gay slurs make it possible for criminal charges.