Minnesota Woman Charged for Racial Slur Raises Over $800,000 in Online Fundraiser

Rochester, Minnesota – A woman accused of using a racial slur against an 8-year-old autistic Black child at a local playground in April has been charged with three misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct. Shiloh Hendrix faces these charges following a viral video of the incident, which has also seen her raise over $800,000 through an online fundraising campaign. The charges were filed on August 26, 2025, after a lengthy investigation.

The incident occurred at Roy Sutherland Playground, where the child, who is autistic and has difficulty with social boundaries, reportedly took an applesauce pouch from Hendrix’s diaper bag. According to the criminal complaint, Hendrix repeatedly used a racial epithet towards the boy, later admitting on video that she could use the slur "if he acts like one." The confrontation, recorded by a bystander, quickly gained widespread attention on social media.

The Rochester City Attorney's Office stated that the case required careful consideration due to its sensitive and complicated nature and high public attention. Each disorderly conduct count carries a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine, though actual sentences in Minnesota tend to be lighter. Hendrix is scheduled for arraignment on October 29.

Following the viral video, Hendrix launched a fundraising campaign on the Christian platform GiveSendGo, surpassing $800,000 with a stated goal of $1 million. In updates to her donors, she claimed to be a victim of "silly misinformation" and urged supporters to "keep fighting for the First Amendment!" In contrast, the Rochester NAACP initiated its own GoFundMe for the victim's family, raising approximately $340,000 before closing at the family's request.

The case has ignited broader discussions regarding free speech and accountability. Greg Lukianoff, a prominent voice on civil liberties, commented on the charges, stating, "Like it or not, racist speech is protected under the First Amendment—and yes, it should be." He argued that such issues should be handled through "persuasion and social opprobrium," rather than legal force. Rochester Mayor Kim Norton acknowledged the incident "deeply affected many people, especially our communities of color," and caused "real turmoil." Walé Elegbede, President of the Rochester NAACP, commended the charges as a crucial "first step" toward "justice and accountability," emphasizing the trauma inflicted on the child and family.