Enforcement Action Filed Against Travis Lufkin for Violations of the New Hampshire Civil Rights Act

Concord, NH - Attorney General John M. Formella announces that the New Hampshire Department of Justice Civil Rights Unit has initiated an enforcement action against Travis Lufkin, age 24, of Concord, alleging one violation of the New Hampshire Civil Rights Act. A complaint against Lufkin was filed in Merrimack County Superior Court and arises from an incident on May 19, 2024.

"The New Hampshire Civil Rights Act serves as an important safeguard, ensuring that everyone can live and work without fear of violence or unlawful discrimination," said Attorney General Formella. "My office will continue to enforce the law fairly and firmly whenever hate-motivated acts threaten the safety or rights of anyone in the Granite State."

According to the complaint, the victim, S.K., a transgender woman, was at her workplace in Concord when Mr. Lufkin entered the property. The complaint alleges that the victim had previously asked Mr. Lufkin to leave the store. On May 19, the complaint alleges, Mr. Lufkin struck the victim in the face, used an anti-gay slur, and engaged in a physical struggle before fleeing the scene on a bicycle. Additionally, the complaint alleges that Concord Police later located Mr. Lufkin, and that he allegedly admitted to assaulting the victim and insisted that the victim be referred to as a male despite police reminders. The complaint further alleges that his conduct was motivated by the victim's actual or perceived gender identity and/or sexual orientation and interfered with her lawful activities.

Each violation of the Civil Rights Act allows for a maximum civil penalty of $5,000. Violations of the Civil Rights Act also empower the court to restrain the defendant from committing future violations of the Civil Rights Act and other hate-motivated conduct for three years. With its complaint, the Civil Rights Unit has asked the court to implement a preliminary restraining order to protect the victim and the public from Mr. Lufkin.

The complaints and the allegations contained herein are merely accusations that the Civil Rights Unit must prove at a final hearing.

The Civil Rights Unit enforces state civil rights laws, including the Civil Rights Act and the New Hampshire Law Against Discrimination. Anyone who believes their civil rights have been violated may file a complaint at https://www.doj.nh.gov/bureaus/civil-rights-unit or by calling 603-271-3650.