Interior designer brutally attacked in Richardson hate crime

On November 9, 2024, David Call, a prominent interior designer in Texas, was the victim of a brutal attack while standing outside a restaurant in Richardson, Texas. He was waiting to meet friends for dinner when he was confronted by a young man who verbally assaulted him using gay slurs and making political statements. This unpredictable confrontation escalated quickly as the assailant punched Call in the face, leaving him with serious injuries including damage to his eye socket and nose. Despite his car being running and his belongings left untouched, Call believes that the motivation behind the attack was hate-driven. After the violent encounter, Call experienced disorientation and was unsure of how badly he was injured, recounting the harrowing moment when he tried to clean the blood from his face and hands. Following the incident, he received assistance from an unknown individual who helped him but then disappeared. The local police in Richardson are actively investigating the case and searching for the assailant, who remains unidentified. Call noted that there was no robbery involved, reinforcing his belief that he was targeted for hate. The attack has taken a significant toll on Call's emotional state. He expressed feelings of being trapped in a fractured space, describing his emotional turmoil as akin to being stuck under a sheet of ice. He is receiving support from friends and colleagues as he prepares for surgery to address the physical injuries he sustained during the attack. In his interviews post-assault, Call has emphasized the importance of creating safe, welcoming spaces through his work as an interior designer, reflecting how this incident has intensified his passion for promoting comfort and safety in his designs. This unfortunate event has sparked conversations about the prevalence of hate crimes and violence against marginalized communities in the United States. It underscores the ongoing challenges that individuals face, especially in light of their sexual orientation or identity. Call's experience serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater awareness and action against hate-motivated violence, as well as the importance of supporting victims and fostering an environment where all individuals can feel secure and valued in society.