June 19th 2024.
Paul Bittner, a 42-year-old man, faced charges of a hate crime and assault after he allegedly attacked a young Black child during a school field trip. As reported by KOMO News, the incident occurred when a group of students from Whatcom Middle School were returning to campus. Bittner, a white man, approached the 11-year-old boy and punched him in the face, causing a chip in his tooth.
The investigating officers were shocked by the severity of the incident. Bellingham Police Chief Rebecca Mertzig expressed her disbelief, stating that in her 20 years on the job, she had never encountered something like this. She also condemned the act, calling it "disgusting" and not reflective of their community's values.
According to the police report, Bittner not only punched the child but also pushed him while making a disturbing statement. He asked the child if he was "going to talk to a white man like that?" This added a racial element to the attack.
The court documents revealed that Bittner's state during the incident is unknown, and it is unclear if he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol when he was arrested. However, surveillance footage captured the incident, and a teacher followed Bittner until the authorities arrived. The officers who apprehended Bittner also reported hearing him continue to use racial slurs.
The incident has left a mark on the community, with some parents, like Ryan Ferris, whose son was also on the trip, expressing their hope for something positive to come from the incident. Ferris stated that it was a terrible thing and hoped that the child would recover, along with the community. He believed that there would be lessons to be learned from the incident.
Bellingham Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Greg Baker also released a statement condemning the racism involved in the attack. He emphasized the school's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and acknowledged the deep-rooted nature of racism and its impact on individuals and families. He called for collective responsibility in addressing and dismantling these injustices.
During Bittner's bail hearing, the community showed their support for the victim's family. Over 30 members, including Kristina Michele Martens, the co-founder of the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission, rallied behind the child's father. Martens expressed her solidarity with the family, stating that they had all experienced similar discrimination and that it needed to stop. She believed that by standing together, they could send a message that any act of discrimination against one was an attack on all.
In related news, actor Wendell Pierce recently spoke out against racism and bigotry after facing housing rejection. He expressed his frustration and called for an end to such discrimination, emphasizing the need for unity and standing up against discrimination and bigotry in all its forms.
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