In a city lauded for its inclusion and LGBT-friendly atmosphere, police in Asbury Park are investigating a possible bias incident from Sunday evening.

A young photographer was eating dinner with his friend when he said he was accosted and called a homophobic slur by a man seated at a table next to him. Part of that exchange was caught on a now-viral video.

This shocking video has now racked up hundreds of thousands of views.

Moments before a stunned Ryan Edelson began shooting the viral exchange, he was having a drink with his friend, when he says that out of the blue and unprovoked, the man next to him unleashed a gay slur.

“All of a sudden, we were just shocked because he just turns to us and says, ‘Would you keep it down, you f------. Nobody wants to hear your voice,’” said Edelson, recounting the exchange with the man.

“You’re disgusting. You’re disgusting. I could never imagine being like you. You’re disgusting,” Edelson can be heard saying on the viral video to the man.

“He stands up, he’s kind of trying to fight, ‘Get up, come over here you f-----’ and then I wasn’t going to get up so I pulled out my phone and you can see what happens in the video,” Edelson recalled.

Edelson filed a police report. Detective Anthony Troublefield spoke with him outside the Ale House.

The response from the restaurant was immediate. On multiple social media outlets, the Ale House posted a lengthy, strongly worded statement, reading in part:

“Frankly, we’re as disgusted as you are. This person was asked to leave and will never return to Asbury Ale House. Ever. We want to be clear: Asbury Ale House does not and will not tolerate hateful speech, discrimination, or abuse of any kind. To Ryan: We’re so sorry you were subjected to that evil man.”

“The restaurant called me. They apologized. I said this is nothing to do with you guys. This is a great spot. I come here all the time. Cheesesteak eggrolls, the best. But there is no reason to ever bring another person down, so I want everybody to look at this video and look at this man and remember never be like that,” said Edelson.

Asbury Park Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn sent News 12 a statement in response to the incident:

“Asbury Park values diversity and has been a haven for the LGBTQ community for decades. That incident was deeply concerning for all the members of Asbury Park’s governing body, and we want to thank the Ale House and our Police Department for their quick actions on this matter."

Asbury Park detectives tell News 12 they are treating this as a bias incident. A full investigation is now underway. Anyone with more information or who may recognize the individual seen in the video should contact the police.