Minn mom Shiloh Hendrix to face 2026 trial over viral race-based playground incident

Per ABC 6, the trial date has been set for August 31, 2026, with a pretrial date set for August 21. The misdemeanor-level charges carry a maximum sentence of 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. Hendrix launched a fundraiser after the incident, which has received over $831,000.

Hendrix was accused by the City of Rochester, Minnesota of, "while in a public or private place and knowing, or having reasonable grounds to know, that it would or would tent to alarm, anger, disturb others, or provoke an assault or breach of peace, did wrongfully or unlawfully engage in offensive, obscene, abusive, boisterous, or noisy conduct, or in offensive, obscene or abusive language that would reasonably tent to arouse alarm, anger, or resentment in others, relative to" three victims: YJ, SHJ, and SBO. The incident took place on April 28.

Hendrix said at the time that "I recently had a kid steal from my 18-month-old son's diaper bag at a park. I called the kid out for what he was. Another man, who we recently found out has had a history with law enforcement, proceeded to record me and follow me to my car. He then posted these videos online which has caused my family, and myself, great turmoil. My SSN has been leaked. My address, and phone number have been given out freely. My family members are being attacked. My eldest child may not be going back to school. Even where I exercise has been exposed."

The probable cause statement said that a man had taken a video of his encounter with Hendrix "shortly after the female had engaged in a hostile and racist manner with a child who was at the park."

SHJ had been at the park with his three children, one of whom, YJ, is "eight years of age and is profoundly and visibly autistic. Due to his disability, YJ does not understand typical boundaries and requires intensive parental supervision."

YJ allegedly took an applesauce pouch from a diaper bag belonging to Hendrix, who allegedly chased YJ. The child eventually climbed the playground equipment to escape Hendrix as well as his father, who was attempting to get the object back. "Defendant shouted at him and repeatedly used a racial epithet (the N-word; YJ is of Somali background,) causing YJ to freeze." SHJ "feared the defendant may strike YJ," and Hendrix allegedly "angrily grabbed the food item from YJ."

A man, identified as SBO, heard the encounter and began approaching. "With his phone recording, he asked defendant why she called the child the N-word, and pointed out to her that the child is autistic. Defendant admitted to calling the child the N-word, stating that she can call him that 'if he acts like one.'"