Minnesota mom Shiloh Hendrix may be criminally charged over viral playground racial incident

The City of Rochester, Minnesota, announced on Tuesday morning that the Rochester City Attorney’s Office is filing a complaint summons in connection with the incident. The draft complaint, which is subject to review and approval by a district court judge, charges Hendrix with three counts of disorderly conduct. The charges are misdemeanor-level ones and carry a maximum sentence of 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.

The draft complaint accuses Hendrix 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 probable cause statement read that a Lt FO had learned on April 30 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."

Further investigation resulted in a statement from SHJ, who had been at the park on April 28 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."

At one point, YJ took an applesauce pouch from a diaper bag belonging to Hendrix, who began allegedly chasing YJ. At the same time, SHJ was attempting to retrieve the object from his son. YJ climbed the playground equipment to escape the two adults. "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 in the probable cause statement, heard the encounter and approached Hendrix while filming. "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.'"

Rochester City said in a press release, "This matter involved a large amount of evidence and required careful consideration of potential charging options across multiple offices. Additionally, under Minnesota law, prosecutors are required to involve and consider the perspective of the crime victim. Given the sensitive and complicated nature of this case, along with the high level of public attention, completing the necessary reviews and conversations with the victim’s family took longer than usual."

The press release added, "The City Attorney’s Office remains focused on the legal process and is committed to ensuring a fair process. We will not speculate on the length of the court process or the potential outcome."

Mayor Kim Norton said, "This was a situation that deeply affected many people, especially our communities of color, and caused real turmoil in our community. We acknowledge the lasting impact this incident has had, not only on those directly involved and across our community, but also in the broader conversations happening at the state and national level. These moments remind us of the complexity and far-reaching impacts of situations like this. The City remains committed to staying engaged and proceeding with transparency and care, continuing efforts that support accountability and progress in Rochester."

Hendrix explained her side of the story in a GiveSendGo fundraiser, writing, "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."