Concord man accused of striking, using slur against transgender woman

Travis Lufkin (Concord Police photo)

CONCORD - A Concord man faces stiff fines and possible jail time after allegedly assaulting a transgender woman at a store.

The New Hampshire Department of Justice Civil Rights Unit initiated the an enforcement action against Travis Lufkin, 24, alleging one violation of the New Hampshire Civil Rights Act. The complaint against Lufkin was filed in Merrimack County Superior Court in connection with an incident on May 19, 2024.

"The New Hampshire Civil Rights Act serves as an important safeguard, ensuring that everyone can live and work without fear of violence or unlawful discrimination," said Attorney General John M. Formella. "My office will continue to enforce the law fairly and firmly whenever hate-motivated acts threaten the safety or rights of anyone in the Granite State."

The victim, a transgender woman, was at her workplace in Concord when Lufkin entered the property, according to the complaint.

The complaint then alleges that the victim, who had previously asked Lufkin to leave the store, was struck in the face by Lufkin, who then used an anti-gay slur.

A struggle ensued before Lufkin fled the scene on a bicycle.

Additionally, the complaint alleges that Concord Police later located Lufkin, and that he admitted to assaulting the victim and insisted that the victim be referred to as a male despite police reminders. The complaint further alleges that his conduct was motivated by the victim's actual or perceived gender identity and/or sexual orientation and interfered with her lawful activities, according to the press release sent out by the Attorney Generals Office on Tuesday.

Each violation of the Civil Rights Act allows for a maximum civil penalty of $5,000. Violations of the Civil Rights Act also empower the court to restrain the defendant from committing future violations of the Civil Rights Act and other hate-motivated conduct for three years. With its complaint, the Civil Rights Unit has asked the court to implement a preliminary restraining order to protect the victim and the public from Lufkin.

The complaints and the allegations contained herein are merely accusations that the Civil Rights Unit must prove at a final hearing.

The Civil Rights Unit enforces state civil rights laws, including the Civil Rights Act and the New Hampshire Law Against Discrimination. Anyone who believes their civil rights have been violated may file a complaint at https://www.doj.nh.gov/bureaus/civil-rights-unit or by calling 603-271-3650.