Gay man severely attacked in Sacramento as hate crime probed

A gay Sacramento man is in the hospital facing permanent brain damage after an attack outside an LGBTQ nightclub. A suspect has been arrested as police look into whether a hate crime was committed, according to media reports.

Andrea Prasad set up a GoFundMe to help with expenses incurred by her father, Alvin, being in the hospital. The campaign has raised almost $3,300 as of press time.

She’d been out with her father on Halloween night and early November 1 at Badlands Sacramento, a nightclub at 2003 K Street in the city’s midtown area. It is also part of the California capital’s LGBTQ neighborhood, Lavender Heights.

“Me, my father, and our best friend were walking back to our car like any other night after dancing at Badlands, Sacramento,” Andrea Prasad stated on the GoFundMe. “A man walked past my dad and insulted him. My father verbally confronted the man. My father didn’t physically do anything towards the man, only used words, a simple question. Within seconds, the man punched my father on the forehead. My father hit the sidewalk, his head hit the concrete, causing immediate damage and bleeding on the back of his head.” 

She did not elaborate on what the man said to her father.

Sean Wesley Payton Jr., 24, was arrested in connection with the incident. He appeared in Sacramento County Superior Court November 17, charged with a count of assault leading to great bodily injury and obstructing a police officer, according to charging documents shared with the Bay Area Reporter by the Sacramento County District Attorney’s office. It could not be determined if Payton has entered a plea, and an attorney for him could not be immediately located.

A DA spokesperson stated Payton is due back in court December 16 for bail review, a pretrial release hearing, and a preliminary hearing. 

Sacramento police are also investigating whether Payton allegedly committed a hate crime, according to media reports.

A spokesperson for the Sacramento Police Department stated to the B.A.R. that officers responded to the block where Badlands Sacramento is located just after 1:30 a.m.

“Responding officers located a male adult victim with serious injuries. The victim was transported to an area hospital,” the spokesperson stated. “While on scene, officers were able to identify and locate the suspect of the assault in the area. Officers arrested 24-year-old Sean Payton of Sacramento.”

The spokesperson continued, “Payton was booked into the Sacramento County Jail where officers also requested for a bail enhancement.”

Alvin Prasad, 57, had planned to move to Palm Springs, his daughter wrote on the fundraising page, but now, she indicated that his life as he’s known it is over.

“My father had plans that he can no longer complete,” Andrea Prasad stated. “He retired while still in the hospital. He can’t move to Palm Springs and have a fresh start like he wanted to. This GoFundMe is to help with finances so that my father doesn’t lose his house that he earned on his own and to help with medical bills. My father has already lost the chance to continue living the vibrant life he wants to; I don’t want him to also lose his house. I didn’t know what amount to choose for the goal. Any amount is appreciated.”

Andrea Prasad did a number of interviews with Sacramento-area media outlets. 

Reached for comment November 20, Andrea Prasad stated, “Legally, I don't know if it would be smart for me to do more interviews. I want my dad's story out there but I also don't want to hinder my dad's active case.”

Andrea Prasad had posted to Facebook, “My dad is a proud, gay man who supports the LGBTQ+ community. Me, myself, am straight but happily support the community as well. The focus of the interviews is the assault and life-threatening damage done to my dad.”

Andrea Prasad continued, “hate comments I’ve seen under the news reports” have disturbed her, including “jokes about my dad’s brain damage.”

“So with that said, I am taking a big step back. I am staying quiet,” Andrea Prasad stated. “I will support the LGBTQ+ community quietly and support my dad quietly.”

Andrea Prasad nonetheless recalled the events of November 1 in a statement to the B.A.R.

"I called 911 because no one else would help," she stated. "I tried to wake my dad up but he wouldn't respond. There was so much blood ... Jonathon [the best friend they'd been out with] and the man were in the street, in a scuffle. The man ended up getting away. Jonathon held my dad's head until EMTs arrived. Jonathon cannot look at his hands now without seeing my dad's blood on them. I have nightmares even with my eyes open."

A candlelight vigil was held in Sacramento the evening of November 22.

In a statement, the Sacramento Badlands team expressed it is "deeply saddened by the violent attack that took place in Lavender Heights on November 1. Our hearts are with Alvin Prasad, his family, and everyone affected by this tragedy."

"Violence against members of our LGBTQ+ community impacts all of us," the statement continued. "Badlands stands with our neighbors, friends, and the entire Sacramento LGBTQ+ community as we support Alvin during his recovery. We remain committed to helping keep Lavender Heights a safe and welcoming place for everyone, and we're grateful to those who continue to show care and support."

Gay Sacramento Badlands owner TJ Bruce is also a proprietor in San Francisco Badlands, 4121 18th Street in the Castro LGBTQ neighborhood.

The Sacramento LGBT Community Center, also in Lavender Heights, stated it is "deeply concerned by recent violence," stating that in addition to this attack there were "several other bias and hate-related incidents in the neighborhood," including "an attempt to tear down the center's Pride flag."

Updated, 11/20/25: This article has been updated with a statement from Sacramento Badlands.
Updated, 11/24/25: This article has been updated with additional comments from the victim's daughter and the Sacramento LGBT Community Center.