By: Alyssa Wilson

WARNING – This story contains details that some may find distressing. 

A Black man who said he was assaulted by a group of white men who threatened to get a “noose” at Lake Monroe in Indiana is now facing criminal charges related to the same incident.  

The charges come more than one year after the incident took place, the Associated Press reported. Vauhxx Booker, a civil rights activist and member of the Monro County Human Rights Commission, was involved in the incident on July 4, 2020. He said he called 911 after five men assaulted him, pinned him to a tree while threatening to break his arms and get a noose. Booker also alleges one of the men wore a hat with a Confederate flag and the group spoke about “white power.”  

The incident gained national attention with the cellphone video being shared more than 239,000 times on Booker’s Facebook page. Days after the incident, a spokesperson for the FBI said the Bureau would investigate, but no further update has been provided from the agency.  

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The Indiana Department of Natural Resources recommended charges for everyone involved, but only two men were charged. Sean Purdy faces charges of felony criminal confinement, battery resulting in moderate bodily injury and intimidation. Jerry Cox II was charged with two misdemeanors, felony criminal confinement and battery resulting in moderate bodily injury. The two claimed Booker was trespassing. 

More than a year after the incident, Booker has been charged with misdemeanor trespass and felony battery for the incident. An initial court hearing has been set for September 14.  

Booker says the charges are an “outrageous act of punitive retaliation and prosecutorial vindictiveness.” The Monroe County Branch of the NAACP has called for the charges to be dropped and for special prosecutor Sonia Leerkamp to resign. A separate prosecutor Erika Oliphant recused herself from the case in response to public concern.  

If you or someone you know is dealing with trauma triggered by this story, resources are available here.