Sword attack at Brandon school racially motivated, police confirm

Winnipeg Free Press

4 hours ago

BRANDON — Police say a gruesome sword attack on a student at Neelin High School was part of a plot by the 16-year-old accused to target people of colour and immigrants.
Brandon police Chief Tyler Bates said there is digital and eyewitness evidence that the accused was 'anti-immigration' and specifically targeted people of colour at the school June 10. A 15-year-old Black student was viciously assaulted.
'When you have an offender that is armed, that is walking past Caucasian students and having no intent to harm those students, but actively pursuing students of colour, you know that certainly speaks to a racialized motive,' Bates said Friday.
On June 10, Chinonsu Onuke, 15, was rushed to hospital with stab wounds to his chest, forearms, hands and thighs after a fellow student allegedly stabbed him with a sword. Onuke is recovering with his family at home.
Bates said it's still early in the investigation, but investigators have found a significant amount of evidence that the teen's 'racial and political ideologies' were motivating factors behind the attack.
'This is disturbing, and no one should ever fear for their safety because of the colour of their skin, and no child should be made to feel unsafe in a place of learning,' Bates said. 'There is no place in our community for racism, hate, or violence of any kind.'
The 16-year-old remains in custody; he has been charged with attempted murder, uttering threats, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and disguise with intent.
Police gave an update on the investigation one day after Premier Wab Kinew went to Brandon to apologize in person to the victim and his family 'on behalf of the Indigenous people.'
Multiple sources at Neelin High School have confirmed the accused is Indigenous.
TIM SMITH / THE BRANDON SUN FILES
Chinonso Onuke is held by close friend Leland Henderson and his twin brother Chiemeka during his first visit back to the school on Friday.
TIM SMITH / THE BRANDON SUN FILES
Chinonso Onuke is held by close friend Leland Henderson and his twin brother Chiemeka during his first visit back to the school on Friday.
Police have said the assault was stopped before more people could be hurt. At the time, the school had gone into lockdown. Police arrived in about three minutes and used a stun gun to arrest the teen.
Bates said he understands the community's concern and thanked people for their support. He said BPS is working diligently and making sure no detail is overlooked in the investigation.
'The mortal danger encountered at Neelin High School has affected us all, but has united Brandonites in resilience, kindness and opposition to racism and hatred,' he said.
Bates said it's clear there is work to be done to ensure students' safety at school, and BPS will continue to work alongside partners in education, mental health and community organizations to keep schools safe and inclusive.
In an interview with the Brandon Sun, Bates said no hate-related charges have been laid against the accused, and if the Crown attorneys decided to add them, it could take months.
MATT GOERZEN / THE BRANDON SUN FILES
Neelin High School Grade 10 student Chinonso Onuke, right, and his twin brother Chiemeka Onuke watch Premier Wab Kinew handle a Premier's Challenge Coin during a visit to the Onuke family home near Sprucewoods on Thursday.
MATT GOERZEN / THE BRANDON SUN FILES
Neelin High School Grade 10 student Chinonso Onuke, right, and his twin brother Chiemeka Onuke watch Premier Wab Kinew handle a Premier's Challenge Coin during a visit to the Onuke family home near Sprucewoods on Thursday.
Bates said the accused is a 'youth in crisis' and needs help and support to get him into a healthy state of mind.
'There were many that were at risk that day just by virtue of their complexion, and that's a sad statement for that to have transpired in the city of Brandon and one that I think is a sobering reality that we have to be mindful of,' Bates said.
In an email sent to parents, the Brandon School Division said it is 'profoundly troubled' by the finding that the attack was racially and politically motivated.
'The intentional targeting of individuals based on race is abhorrent and fundamentally contradicts the values, vision and mission of the division,' the email said. 'The severity and intent of this act will inevitably affect the overall sense of security within our community.'
The division said that community and support resources, including school social workers and psychologists, will continue to be provided for students and staff, as well as additional crisis supports from Prairie Mountain Health.
— Brandon Sun