Jussie Smollett Attackers Yelled 'MAGA Country': Lawmakers, Celebrities React To Hate Crime

“Empire” star Jussie Smollett was hospitalized early Tuesday following an assault in Chicago which is being investigated by police as a possible hate crime. Several actors, producers, and even lawmakers shared their reactions, condemning the "racist and homophobic" attack.

The Chicago Police Department said in a statement that Smollett, who is black and gay, was walking in the downtown Chicago neighborhood of Streeterville in the 300 block of E. North Water Street around 2 a.m. EST "when two unknown offenders approached him and gained his attention by yelling out racial and homophobic slurs towards him."

According to TMZ, Smollett had gone out for food after landing in the city for an event when the assault occurred. The celebrity news website also said the attackers screamed, "This is MAGA country." The police department also confirmed to TMZ that Smollett told them, in a follow-up interview, about the attackers yelling, "MAGA country."

The police said in the statement "the offenders began to batter the victim with their hands about the face and poured an unknown chemical substance on the victim." Smollett was later hospitalized for the injuries and is now in “good condition.”

Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said officials “continue to seek any available evidence/video to identify possible offenders in [the Jussie Smollett] case.” He also urged people to come forward with any information that could help in the case. “Thus far we have not found anything to be able put out a (suspect) description,” Guglielmi tweeted.

Guglielmi told CNN that investigators searched for video evidence in the neighborhood where the reported attack occurred but still did not found any clues. The only image of Smollett police obtained from security cameras was from inside a Subway Sandwich shop, where the actor was standing alone.

The 20th Century Fox Television and Fox Entertainment issued a statement: “We are deeply saddened and outraged to learn that a member of our ‘Empire’ family, Jussie Smollett, was viciously attacked last night... We send our love to Jussie, who is resilient and strong, and we will work with law enforcement to bring these perpetrators to justice. The entire studio, network and production stands united in the face of any despicable act of violence and hate — and especially against one of our own.”

The horrific attack was also condemned by LGBT non-profit GLAAD: “GLAAD reached out to Fox and Jussie’s team today to offer assistance as well as support for him. Jussie is a true champion for LGBTQ people and is beloved by the community and allies around the world.”

Not only the entertainment world, but lawmakers also reacted to the incident, calling for stricter laws.

Sen. Kamala Harris (D-California) condemned the violent attack, calling it “an attempted modern day lynching.”

“[Smollett] is one of the kindest, most gentle human beings I know. I’m praying for his quick recovery,” the 2020 presidential candidate tweeted. “This was an attempted modern day lynching. No one should have to fear for their life because of their sexuality or color of their skin. We must confront this hate.”

Sen. Cory Booker (D-New Jersey) echoed Harris's comments, tweeting: "The vicious attack on actor Jussie Smollett was an attempted modern-day lynching. I'm glad he's safe."

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York) also tweeted: “This is a sickening and outrageous attack, and horribly, it's the latest of too many hate crimes against LGBTQ people and people of color... We are all responsible for condemning this behavior and every person who enables or normalizes it.”