Supporters of Luke O'Donovan, 19, who faces five charges of aggravated assault for allegedly stabbing several men at a New Year's party, have set up a website and issued a statement that O'Donovan was a victim of homophobia.

From the website:

The motivations of the attack on Luke seem to originate in the fact that he had been seen dancing with and kissing other men earlier at the party. Luke was repeatedly insulted with homophobic slurs throughout the night. The men who attacked Luke are known to have exhibited homophobic language and behavior in the past. Luke was called a faggot during the fight. This provides clear evidence that the attack on Luke was in some way motivated by homophobia and perpetrated by multiple men while Luke was alone.

An Atlanta Police report released to the GA Voice Thursday states that a fight broke out in the early morning hours of Jan. 1 "over a discussion regarding sexuality" that allegedly led to several men being stabbed.

The report states six men were stabbed, including O'Donovan.

"All witnesses stated they observed a group of five to six males fighting in the back yard of 239 Gibson St. SE over a discussion regarding sexuality. The fight quickly escalated when the suspect, Mr. Luke O'Donovan pulled out a knife. Witnesses said that the victims were attempting to stop Mr. O'Donovan when they were stabbed," the APD report states.

The people who are organizing support for O'Donovan state they are his "friends, family and roommates," according to the website named Let Luke Go.

The purpose of O'Donovan's group of supporters, according to the website:

Our purpose is to support Luke materially and emotionally throughout this trial and for however long he needs us immediately following the trial. Our first priority is Luke’s release from jail. Afterword, we believe that Luke should be acquitted of all charges against him. We are fighting toward this end through contact with lawyers and, hopefully, popular mobilizations with others who desire to support Luke however they can. We are also doing our best to meet Luke’s emotional needs in light of this because we have known the torment of incarceration and the effect it can have on your spiritual and mental well-being.

While it may come to pass that Luke’s attackers receive charges for what they have done, that is not the focus of this support group. Our focus is Luke. We understand that the judicial system has legs all of its own and will act how it sees fit. Our intention, however, is to focus our energy on the person we all love and supporting them to the fullest.

Top photo: Luke O'Donovan via Let Luke Go