A pack of young teens tried to kill a homeless man on an upstate New York street in a “heinous” social-media-inspired attack that left him clinging to life, according to authorities.
Five boys between the ages of 13 and 15 punched and kicked the 45-year-old stranger Monday night, leaving him unconscious with severe injuries to his head and body, the Binghamton city police said.
Police Capt. Matthew Hodnik called the gang assault a “disgusting” and “heinous act” connected to a viral trend.
“There is a recent push in social-media trends that recording attacks of unhoused or narcotic or drug addicted individuals on the street,” Hodnik said, according to WBNG.
“Juveniles, to think this is acceptable or something to potentially be proud of, is just absolutely disgusting.”
The five suspects — all Binghamton residents — were identified about 24 hours after the attack and taken into custody, according to authorities.
Two 15-year-old boys and two 14-year-old boys were charged with second-degree attempted murder, while a 13-year-old boy was released to a guardian for now, with criminal charges expected to be filed against him as the probes continues, police said.
Their identities were not released because of their ages. Each suspect is being held at a juvenile facility in Syracuse.
“What happened earlier this week is abhorrent and inexplicable,” Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham said in a statement.
“Our community is left grappling with how these young people could carry out such a heinous act of violence. I’ve been at a loss for words these last few days.”
The victim, who did not have a permanent address, was listed in critical condition as of Wednesday.
A Post call to the Broome County District Attorney’s Office was not returned.
Resident Joseph Henry, 20, who resides near the crime scene, blamed the children’s parents for their alleged actions while pushing local officials to do more for the homeless population.
“Where is their parents to teach them and guide them?” Wagner said, according to WBNG. “With dangerous teenagers and stuff in this world, we just need more police.”