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The conviction stems from an incident in August, when the man verbally and physically accosted attendees at the event, presumably because of their perceived LGBTQ+ status, officials said, then went a woman in charge of security at the event held at the 9:30 Club on U Street NW.
According to prosecutors, on Saturday, Aug. 3, Siate verbally and then physically accosted multiple people outside of the 9:30 Club.
First, he approached a line of patrons waiting to enter the venue for a Taylor Swift Dance Party and started yelling at them before turning his attention to a 9:30 Club employee who he threatened to rape and murder.
Court documents state that "he then saw two men walking by, holding hands, and acting affectionately towards one another.
"Siate followed them down the block saying, 'Gays cannot hold hands in my city,' 'You’re in my living room,' and yelling a slur at them" before picking up a sign from another nearby business, lifting it over the head, and charging at the men.
A Metropolitan Police officer was able to intervene and was able to stop Siatee from attacking the two men.
Siate was arrested on Aug. 3, and released on personal reconnaissance. He was then arrested on new, unrelated charges on Aug. 31, and has been in custody since Sept. 9.
The verdict followed a jury trial in Superior Court of the District of Columbia before Judge Jennifer Di Toro, with sentencing will take place on Feb. 10, 2025.
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