Jussie Smollett will now have round-the-clock security following the brutally homophobic and racist attack he endured in Chicago earlier this week, sources said.
According to TMZ, the Empire star will have 24/7 armed security at least until the two men who attacked him Tuesday morning are apprehended.
Smollett was grabbing a quick bite from a local Subway when he was attacked by two men wearing “Make America Great Again” hats. The thugs beat him, poured an “unknown chemical substance” on him, and tied a noose around his neck while calling him racist and homophobic slurs.
“This is MAGA country,” they allegedly told Smollett.
The actor was able to get himself to a local hospital, where he is reportedly in good condition.
The FBI and Chicago Police Department are now investigating the attack as a possible hate crime.
Hundreds of celebrities have shared their outrage towards the attack, and support for Smollett during this difficult time.
The actor plans to return to shooting hit Fox series in the near future, production sources said.
A rep for Smollett had no comment, but did tell ESSENCE Wednesday that a donation page has been set up in Smollett’s name at the Black AIDS Institute as the actor is passionate about ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
