FBI investigating bar beating as hate crime

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The FBI is investigating whether a vicious attack on a bartender Monday night was a hate crime.

It happened where he worked, Uncle Albert's Pub in northwest Harris County.

The victim, Raiel Rizk, was released from the hospital Friday.

Witnesses say he was invited to sit down with a group who he thought were being friendly to him. At one point, the bar owner says he was baited into the restroom.

Witnesses say the attacker began interrogating him, called him a terrorist and then knocked him out cold.

Uncle Albert's Pub is holding a fundraiser for him at 1pm August 16 at its establishment, located at 6172 Barker Cypress Rd, Houston, TX 77084. A GoFundMe account also has been set up.