14-Year-Old Trans Student Attacked In Viral Video, Community Rallies

A community in Canada has come together for a young trans girl whose brutal assault at her middle school was captured on a video that since went viral. The 14-year-old trans girl was violently attacked by two fellow students at the Ecole Heritage Park Middle School in Mission, British Columbia. Her alleged assailants, two cisgender girls, were arrested following an investigation. When the citizens of Mission learned of the incident, they banded together with a massive car rally to show their support and draw a line in the sand against hate.

Pictures of the event show a sea of cars, many waving rainbow pride and trans pride flags. Others held placards and signs with messages of support for the girl and the LGBTQ+ community.

One social media user, Jacquie Claggett, posted a group of pictures from the event saying she was proud of her local communities "coming together to support what is right!" She estimated "more than 1000" attended the event.

Drag queen Anida Tythole shared video of the event saying that "love wins."

While the community came out to make a big statement against hate and transphobia, local authorities continued with their investigation and possible criminal prosecution.

"Investigators began an investigation based on the information that was provided, inclusive of a social media video clip," Corporal Jason Raaflaub of the Mission Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), told the Daily Hive. He stated that "two young females, approximately 14-years-old" were arrested as a result of their investigation and that the "Mission RCMP are recommending criminal charges of Assault for one of the females and Assault along with Uttering Threats for the other."

The Mission Public School District issued a statement yesterday, saying they were "saddened and surprised" about the attack. Superintendent Angus Wilson said the district "is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all of our students," and provided a list of actions the district is taking to deal with the current problems and prevent similar actions in the future.

"By working together," Wilson concluded, "we will create school communities where students feel safe, respected, and cared for."

Meanwhile, RCMP's Raaflaug indicated the two girls arrested for the assault will next appear at Abbotsford Court House in late March.

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