Two men have been charged in connection with a July 4 confrontation with Black civil rights activist Vauhxx Booker at Lake Monroe in Indiana, Yahoo News and the Indianapolis Star reported.
Monroe County Prosecutor Erika Oliphant filed charges on Friday. Sean faces felony counts of criminal confinement and battery resulting in moderate bodily injury, plus intimidation. Jerry faces felony counts of criminal confinement and battery resulting in moderate bodily injury, plus two misdemeanor counts. Warrants have been issued for both men.
Vauhxx, 36, is a member of the Monroe County Human Rights Commission. He said he was pinned against a tree by a group of men who accused him of trespassing, and that he called 911. Witnesses said they heard racial slurs and someone say “get a noose.” A video of the encounter went viral online.
Sean’s attorney, David Hennessy, said Vauhxx presented “a false narrative” and claimed he was the instigator. The defense team also said Vauhxx threw the first punch and that he was restrained for his own safety and the safety of others. It was not clear whether Jerry had a lawyer. These are allegations, and neither man has been convicted.
Vauhxx and his attorney, Katherine Liell, said they were relieved by the charges but called them just the first step toward justice. As of this report, no charges had been filed against Vauhxx, and the FBI said it was investigating the incident as a possible hate crime.
Vauhxx also thanked the strangers who stepped in and filmed the encounter, saying they helped save his life.
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