A transgender woman is recovering from serious injuries after being attacked by a group of teenagers near the Renton Transit Center, an assault police are investigating as a potential hate crime. The case has sparked alarm among LGBTQ+ advocates who say it highlights the ongoing risks trans people face simply by existing in public spaces.
The victim, 39-year-old Nikki Armstrong, told police that she first noticed a group of eight to ten teens harassing people near the transit hub earlier in the day. She asked them to stop but did not think much more of it. Hours later, when she returned to the same area, she encountered the group again. As she tried to move away toward a nearby business, Armstrong tripped and fell. In that vulnerable moment, several of the teens reportedly jumped on her, beating her while yelling homophobic and transphobic slurs. Her face was stomped on, leaving her with a broken nose and fractured eye socket. She was hospitalized for her injuries.
Police arrived quickly and arrested two suspects, brothers aged 15 and 17 who attend Renton High School. Surveillance footage reportedly showed them wearing the same clothing seen during the assault. They now face multiple charges, including second-degree assault, second-degree assault with great bodily harm, and second-degree strangulation assault. Prosecutors are also weighing a hate crime enhancement because of the slurs used during the attack. A judge released both teens on electronic monitoring under strict conditions, including a no-contact order with Armstrong. Police continue to search for two other teens believed to have been involved.
For Armstrong, the impact of the attack is both physical and emotional. She has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover medical bills and living expenses while she recovers. At the time of this writing, the fundraiser has received nearly $17,000 of its $20,000 goal, showing strong community support in the wake of her ordeal. Supporters have shared messages of encouragement along with donations, calling her strength an inspiration.
This case is not just about one individual’s suffering but about the climate trans people navigate daily. Public harassment, verbal abuse, and threats of violence are common experiences, and when they escalate into physical attacks, they remind the entire community of their vulnerability. The involvement of high school students has also raised questions about how bias and hatred take root so early, underscoring the need for education that fosters respect for gender diversity.
For now, Armstrong is focused on healing, though she has spoken publicly about the need for young people to find better uses for their time than spreading hate. Her words capture both the exhaustion and the resilience many in the trans community know too well. Police say they are committed to pursuing justice in her case, but for many advocates, the deeper work lies in creating a culture where no one’s safety is compromised because of who they are.
