A disturbing incident unfolded at a Minnesota park this week, sparking outrage and a police investigation. A video, which has since gone viral, shows a white mother admitting to using a racial slur against a Black child. The incident allegedly occurred on Monday when the woman accused the five-year-old, who has autism, of taking her son’s belongings. The child’s father, who is of Somali heritage, intervened and filmed the encounter, capturing the woman’s admission and repeated use of the N-word.
The video, verified by NBC News, shows the tense exchange between the bystander and the woman, who remains unidentified by police. While the mother claims the child’s actions justified her use of the slur, the incident has ignited a firestorm of criticism and calls for accountability. The Rochester Police Department confirmed they are investigating the incident and have received numerous calls related to the video.
Sharmake Omar, the man who recorded the video, shared his perspective, stating that the woman’s actions were unacceptable and deeply hurtful to the young child and the community. He also revealed that the woman directed further hateful comments toward him, making offensive remarks about his family and their use of social welfare programs.
The incident has not only drawn local attention but has also garnered support from state officials. Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s office highlighted the significant Somali community in Minnesota, emphasizing the importance of addressing such acts of racism. The Rochester congressional delegation released a joint statement, commending Omar for his actions and condemning the racism displayed. The NAACP Rochester Branch has also released a statement expressing solidarity with the child and calling for the woman’s prosecution, suggesting the incident could be classified as a hate crime.
This incident reflects a broader concern about the rise of racially motivated acts in Rochester. The NAACP cites this event as one of several recent examples of increasing intolerance. Protests are planned for Monday in response, highlighting the community’s demand for justice and accountability. Minnesota law defines assault as an action intended to cause fear, and a hate crime occurs when an assault is motivated by the victim’s race, providing possible legal avenues for addressing this situation. While attempts to contact the woman involved have been unsuccessful, the investigation continues, and many are anticipating a swift resolution.
