Rochester, MN — A woman in Minnesota is facing misdemeanor disorderly conduct charges after using a racist slur against a Black child at a local playground, an incident that has since drawn national attention and millions of online views. The incident, captured on video in April, has also become the basis for her raising more than $800,000 through an online fundraising campaign.
Charges Filed and Court Details
According to the criminal complaint, the defendant “wrongfully and unlawfully engaged in offensive, obscene, abusive, boisterous, or noisy conduct, or in offensive, obscene, or abusive language that would reasonably tend to arouse alarm, anger or resentment in others.” She faces three counts of disorderly conduct, each carrying a maximum potential penalty of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine, though sentences in Minnesota are often lighter. Her arraignment is set for Oct. 29.
“This was a situation that deeply affected many people, especially our communities of color, and caused real turmoil in our community,” said Mayor Kim Norton, highlighting the broader impact of the incident on local and national conversations.
The defendant, whose address is listed in Rochester, has stated her intention to relocate, and police have been unable to make contact with her, according to court records. She is representing herself in the legal proceedings.
Details of the Playground Incident
The victim, identified in the complaint as an 8-year-old Black child with autism, was at the park when the encounter occurred. The child had taken an applesauce pouch from another diaper bag, prompting the father to attempt retrieval. The defendant allegedly chased the child, repeatedly using the racial slur and grabbing the food item.
A witness recorded the confrontation, asking the woman why she used the term. She admitted, stating she felt justified because the child “acts like one.” When pressed about her hate speech, she reportedly used additional expletives and made gestures to indicate she did not care.
Online Fundraising Controversy
Following the incident, the woman began raising funds on GiveSendGo, reaching over $800,000 toward a stated goal of $1 million, including donations received after charges were filed. In June, she claimed she was the victim of “silly misinformation” and thanked supporters, adding, “Keep standing up for yourselves, and keep fighting for the First Amendment!”
In response, the NAACP Rochester chapter started its own fundraising campaign for the child’s family, which had raised $340,000 before the page was closed at the family’s request. The organization is working with the family to pursue legal action, according to chapter president Walé Elegbede.
“Their child was victimized and traumatized with the racist and hateful rhetoric and actions,” Elegbede said. “It’s not just the child; the family was impacted.”
Community Response and Accountability
Officials emphasized the sensitivity of the case and the need for thorough review. City Attorney Michael Spindler-Krage’s office noted that the investigation took longer than usual due to careful consideration of the victim’s family and public interest.
Elegbede commended the charges as the first step toward justice and accountability, adding, “If you have a child and you’re going to the park, you want to enjoy the park…A responsible adult will talk to the child with empathy, not with hate and vitriol. And that’s where she chose to take it.”
The case continues to draw attention across Minnesota and the nation as authorities work to address the incident legally, while also highlighting the ongoing impact on the victim’s family and community.
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