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Student With Pride Flag Assaulted, Dragged in Viral Video: Charges Filed
Student With Pride Flag Assaulted, Dragged in Viral Video: Charges Filed
The video that shows the violent incident and students laughing at a Georgia school has been viewed more than 5 million times on Twitter.
Authorities announced on Friday that charges were filed in a recorded incident at Lowndes High School in Valdosta, Ga. where a student can be seen wresting a Pride flag off a student who was draped in it and then throwing the flag in the trash.
A person sitting with the student who had the Pride flag attempted to stop the teen from taking it but can be seen being hit by the teen.
The charges include disorderly conduct, simple battery, and disruption of a public facility, Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk told The Valdosta Daily Times.
Earlier last week, the video of the incident went viral on social media, resulting in millions of views.
\u201ci need everyone to see the scum thats here in South Ga\nthis just happened today at Lowndes High School, the high school i went to and my brother is currently going to, here in Valdosta\u201d— Raymond \ud83e\udd18 (@Raymond \ud83e\udd18) 1630616788
The Twitter user who posted the video wrote that they had gone to Lowndes High School and their brother goes there now.
"I need everyone to see the scum that's here in South Ga this just happened today at Lowndes High School," the user wrote.
The user later added that the student who stole the flag in the video did it on a $5 dare.
\u201cupdate for everyone:\nThe assaulter\u2019s name is Andrew Hunter and he was apparently dared to do it for $5. He was arrested and charged by the police and the school/county has yet put out a statement on what happened\u201d— Raymond \ud83e\udd18 (@Raymond \ud83e\udd18) 1630616788
"We are aware of a social media video involving two students and a Pride flag," Rodney Green, Lowndes High School assistant principal, said, according to the Valdosta Daily Times. "We take the well-being and safety of our students seriously. Our staff works hard to provide a safe environment where all of our students feel valued.
"As soon as the Lowndes High School administration was aware, the matter was investigated, they ensured that the victim was not hurt and addressed the other student following the appropriate consequence outlined in the Student Code of Conduct."
