Alabama high school student assaulted over Black Lives Matter post, police say
(FOX)- An Alabama high school student was attacked after a homecoming football game allegedly over the teen’s social media post about the Black Lives Matter protests.
Sylacauga Police Chief Kelley Johnson said that witnesses told police the incident was sparked over the post. Johnson said one or more black teens are believed to be behind the assault of 17-year-old Brian Ogle, according to WBRC-TV.
Authorities found Ogle on the ground bleeding from his head. He was taken to Coosa Valley Medical Center before being airlifted to UAB Hospital where he was in critical condition and recovering from the head injuries. Ogle’s mother Brandi Allen told WBRC-TV said that her son suffered a broken skull and is bleeding from the brain.
“Instead of us planning for his 18th birthday, we’re here. Why? Because he made a statement that he backs the blue? I’m still trying to understand how someone, no matter the color of their skin, can do this to another human being,” Allen said.
Police haven’t released a motive, but said the attack appeared to be racially motivated and the social media post could have been a factor.
Allen told the station that the altercations started at Sylacauga High School and then escalated onto Facebook. She said her son received threatening messages and even brought it up to the principal, but they allegedly told him there was nothing they could do about it.
Sylacauga City Schools Superintendent Todd Freeman said in a statement that the district and police were made aware of the threats and the school implemented safety measures to keep students safe.