Sword attack at Brandon high school was racially motivated act of hate, police say

CBC

7 hours ago

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WARNING: This story contains graphic details of violence and injuries.
The sword attack at a Brandon high school last week was a targeted and racially motivated assault, police say.
"The offender planned the attack and the perpetration of violence against targets chosen specifically based on race — targeting people of colour and immigrants. It was a deliberate, senseless, targeted act of hate," Chief Tyler Bates said in a statement posted on the police service's Facebook page on Friday.
"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. There is no place in our community for racism, hate or violence of any kind."
Chinonso Onuke, 15, is recovering after the attack on June 10 left him with wounds on his hands, chest and thigh. Seven of his fingers were nearly severed as he fought off the attacker in a hallway at Neelin High School.
A 16-year-old fellow student has been charged with multiple offences, including attempted murder.
"The investigation is complex and ongoing, but at this early juncture, we have uncovered a significant amount of evidence that indicates the suspect's political and racial ideologies were motivating factors in this crime. These findings reinforce the gravity and intent behind the attack," Bates wrote.
"We understand the deep concern this incident has caused. 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."
In an interview with CBC News earlier this week, Onuke said his attacker was wearing a long black trench coat, a hat and a mask with a long beak. At first, he thought it was a costume — until the teen pulled out a jagged sword and lunged at him, striking him in his stomach.
Onuke fought off the attack and ran to the school office. The school was immediately put into lockdown.
Police were called at 1:15 p.m., and by 1:22 p.m., the 16-year-old was in custody. Officers used a stun gun to subdue and disarm him.
Onuke was rushed to Winnipeg for more than 10 hours of emergency surgery.
In his Facebook post, Bates reiterated what he said at a news conference the day after the attack — that the emergency planning the police service has undertaken with the Brandon School Division, the established relationship between school liaison officers and students, and the rapid swift action of the responding officers "prevented mass casualty."
However, it is clear there remains work to do to further enhance and improve safety within Brandon schools, the post said.
"We will continue working with our partners in education, mental health and community organizations to ensure that our schools remain safe and inclusive spaces for everyone," he wrote.
"We recognize the lasting emotional impact this has had and will continue to have on all those involved, and we are committed to supporting them through every step of the healing process."