In a shocking and disturbing incident in Washington, a white man targeted and attacked a Black sixth-grade student during a field trip, leading to his arrest and a $500,000 bail. Paul Jonathan Bittner, 42, has been charged with malicious harassment and assault of a child. The incident occurred when Bittner allegedly joined the group of students near the Bellingham Police Department and pushed a Black student, questioning how the child would behave towards a white man before punching him in the face.
The victim, who suffered a chipped tooth, has not been identified publicly. Bellingham School District condemned the attack as an act of racism and confirmed that they are providing support and counseling for the students. The district is also investigating the incident as a hate crime.
Community activists, along with the victim’s family, Mayor Kim Lund, and Bellingham Police Chief Rebecca Mertzig, gathered at Bittner’s court hearing to address the incident. Lund and Mertzig expressed their solidarity with the community against hate and discrimination. The incident has sparked discussions on racism and the need for collective action against discrimination and hatred. Bittner remains in custody as the investigation continues. #EndHateCrimes.\
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