Rochester Woman Seen Using Racial Slur in Viral Video at Local Playground Likely to Face Charges

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The woman seen in a viral video using a racial slur in a Rochester park earlier this year is now facing charges. 

See Also: Southeast Minnesota School Bus Driver Accused of Sexually Abusing Disabled Student 

The City of Rochester issued a news release announcing the charging decision on Tuesday morning. It comes four months after the incident at Roy Sutherland Playground, at Soldier’s Field Park. 

The video of the incident attracted millions of views on social media and traditional media outlets worldwide. Rochester police investigated the case. 

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Charges Filed Against Woman Accused of Calling Autistic Child Racial Slur and Seen on Video Using Racial Slur at Rochester Park

It shows a woman, identified in the draft criminal complaint as 35-year-old Shiloh Marie Hendrix of Rochester, being confronted for allegedly directing a racist slur at a young child and then repeating the slur multiple times at the person recording it. 

Read More: Rochester, MN Woman Confronted on Video for Calling a Child a Racial Slur at Local Playground

On April 28, an 8-year-old boy, described in the complaint as “profoundly and visibly autistic,” had taken an applesauce pouch from a diaper bag belonging to Hendrix. 

The complaint says the child’s father and Hendrix chased after the boy, who had climbed onto a piece of playground equipment.

Hendrix then repeatedly called the child a racial slur and snatched the applesauce from the child’s hand, the charges allege. 

Another man at the park took out his phone, began recording a video and confronted Hendrix over her alleged use of the slur. She is then in video directing the same slur at the man recording the video. 

Read More: Rochester Police Announce Completion of Investigation into Racist Incident at Rochester Park 

Hendrix is charged with three counts of misdemeanor disorderly conduct. The maximum punishment for a misdemeanor conviction is up to 90 days in jail and a fine as high as $1,000. 

The news release announcing the charging decision says the investigation involved a “large amount of evidence” and “required careful consideration of potential charging options across multiple offices.” 

The news release also includes a statement from Rochester Mayor Kim Norton. 

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.

-Rochester Mayor Kim Norton

Hendrix is being charged via summons. A court date has not yet been set. 

The complaint is subject to review and approval by a district court judge.

Correction: A previous version of this story identified the woman as Shilo Hendricks.