An Oregon man who lured a victim through a dating app and carried out a violent anti-gay assault has been sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison, according to federal prosecutors.
Daniel Andrew McGee, 26, of Springfield, Oregon, was sentenced to 151 months in prison — just over 12½ years — followed by five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to a federal hate-crime charge involving an attempted killing.
Lured Through a Dating App
According to investigators, the attack began on July 5, 2021, when McGee contacted the victim through the LGBTQ dating app Grindr using the screen name “str8 curious.” After exchanging messages, the two arranged to meet at the victim’s apartment.
Once inside the apartment, prosecutors say McGee suddenly launched a brutal assault. He struck the victim in the head with a wooden club known as a tire thumper and then attempted to gouge out the victim’s eyes with his hands, causing life-threatening injuries.
Neighbors reportedly heard screams coming from the apartment and called emergency services. When police arrived, they found the victim with severe head wounds and other serious injuries. He was rushed to a hospital for treatment.
Evidence of Planning
Federal investigators later uncovered evidence showing the attack had been planned weeks in advance.
Authorities said McGee had searched online for violent anti-gay material, watched videos depicting attacks against LGBTQ people, and researched ways to “get away with murder” and dispose of a body. He also purchased the weapon used in the assault prior to the attack.
During questioning, McGee reportedly told investigators he believed “demons would be there” and said he intended to “slay” the victim.
Federal Hate-Crime Case
A federal grand jury indicted McGee in November 2021 on a charge of committing a hate crime involving an attempted killing, alleging he targeted the victim because of his sexual orientation. McGee ultimately pleaded guilty in November 2025 before being sentenced in March 2026.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford said the case highlights the importance of protecting people from violence motivated by prejudice.
“The right to live safely in one’s community is a fundamental civil right,” Bradford said.
FBI officials added that hate-motivated violence affects not only the individual victim but entire communities.
Lasting Impact
Although the victim survived, prosecutors said the attack caused severe physical injuries and emotional trauma. Officials noted that while the sentence cannot undo the harm caused, they hope it provides some measure of justice.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Eugene Police Department and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon along with the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
