Two Black gay U.S. airmen were attacked at a nightclub in eastern Europe for dancing with each other and “acting gay.”

Ny’Zavian Dozier and Keith Rowe were attacked by several men at Opera nightclub in Zadar, Croatia, on Saturday, according to Metro. Voice of Croatia, a local publication, claimed the pair was attacked because they “had been acting gay” and “twerking.”

“Upon entering the field, it was determined that the men, American citizens ‘danced a little more vigorously’ and that annoyed these men who attacked them,” a police spokesperson told Unilad.

Dozier and Rowe are members of the United States Air Force who are stationed in Germany and traveled to Croatia for a short trip. The men talked about the traumatic event on social media. Dozier called the beating “one of the most scariest moments ever” on his Facebook page.

“These guys had every intention of not letting us walk away alive,” he continued. “I have never felt so defenseless in my entire life. I truly couldn’t protect my friend! A trip that started so beautiful ended in such a horrible way but I’m grateful that my friend and I are alive!”

Rowe shared his perspective on Instagram.

“Me and Dozier got jumped by 10 Croatian men and basically we were fighting for our lives,” he said in a video. ”There was one point when I believe there was a guy that had me in a headlock.”

The assault continued until a woman Dozier and Rowe befriended stepped in.

“She is my angel, an amazing friend,” Rowe said.

The American Embassy in Zagreb denounced the attack.

“The US Embassy in Zagreb condemns the recent violent attacks on two US tourists in Zadar. The well-being and security of US citizens abroad is one of the State Department’s top priorities,” the Embassy said in a statement. “The Embassy is ready to provide appropriate assistance to American citizens in need and their families. Due to privacy issues, we are unable to comment further on this case.”

Pjerino Bebic, the owner of Opera, also rebuked the assault.

“I condemn any violence, we at the Opera have such a relationship that all our guests are welcomed and no one ever looks at skin colour, religion or anything like that,” Bebic said.

The attackers have not been caught.

Ny’Zavian-Dozier

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