Video: Anti-Trump Protester Assaulted at OSU (Updated 11-15-16)
[Update 11-15-16] The International Socialist Organization, has released their statement after one of their lead organizers was tackled:
“Since last night, however, we have learned that the man, an OSU student, is not a right-wing activist and was himself upset by the Trump election. We have received further information we will not disclose to protect the man’s privacy, but which has made us confident he should not face charges for the action.
Tim and other ISO members are in the process of reaching out to police, prosecutors, and this student’s family and friends to have charges dropped immediately and to ensure his quick release from jail.”
[Update 11-15-16] The assailant has been identified as Shane Michael Stanton of Worthington. He is an OSU student according to Ohio State records, and according to The Dispatch has been charged with a misdemeanor count of assault.
Several reports have come in from multiple sources alleging that Stanton has mental challenges and this attack was not politically motivated.
More information to come as these reports are verified. We’ve received a statement from someone in the video. He has confirmed that the attacker was special needs and that all the charges were dropped.
“The man who hit him is developmentally disabled — Tim is in the process of dropping all charges and is okay. It came out of nowhere, one unaffiliated kid went to hit him and he was pulled off, an arrest was made very promptly and everyone checked to make sure everyone else was okay. I wish it didn’t get that much attention. Especially knowing what we know now.”
A protest turned violent after an anti-Trump protester was tackled while delivering a speech at the OSU Union. The protester according to The Lantern is named, Tim Joseph, was knocked down from where he was standing on the steps leading to the second floor.
The unidentified student has been allegedly suspended indefinitely.
“The assault that occurred — that’s what it was — in the Union tonight is completely unacceptable,” Basalla told The Lantern. “Every person on this campus has the right to feel safe and voice their opinion without fearing harm. We can’t be having this.”
This is the first instance of local violence during an Anti-Trump rally.
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