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As thousands of Washingtonians spilled into the streets after Barack Obama (web|news|bio) 's victory Tuesday night, the Republican National Committee election night celebration at the Capital Hilton on Connecticut Avenue was winding down.
As two men celebrating the Democratic victory passed the hotel, someone darted at them and attacked them, according to the men and witnesses.
"He seemed to be a little intoxicated and maybe he was a little upset because his candidate didn't win," said Zack Pesavento, one of the two men who said they were attacked and filed a police complaint.
Our cameras caught the end of the altercation. Witnesses say it started when one man lunged at the other two and grabbed their rainbow flag, the symbol of gay rights.
"When I tried to grab it away from him, he started hitting me, trying to attack me," said Steve Kensinger, the other of two men who reported the attack. "He was very aggressive and very threatening and it definitely scared me."
Pesavento says his friend got the worst of it.
"It was really violent and it it was really frightening and it seemed like he was really trying to hurt him," Pesavento said.
Pesavento and Kensinger say the man -- whom they believe was with the Republicans -- told police he did not know the rainbow flag represented gay rights.
"I thought it was a pretty obvious symbol, so I don't know why he claimed later he didn't know what it was." said Pesavento.
As for Pesavento and Kensinger, they are trying to focus on the joy they felt on the historic night of the Obama victory, and not the painful incident which marred it.
"It was really upsetting I was really shaken up," said Kensinger. "Um, you know, it kind of put a damper on the evening, but, overall, I said, 'I don't want to let this guy get to me.' It, like, it's not worth it. He's not worth my time."
Pesavanto and Kensinger did file charges. The alleged attacker has been charged with assault, police said.
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