Accused in Manitoba high school stabbing driven by racism, police chief alleges

The Indigenous high school student accused of stabbing a Black student with a sword at a rural Manitoba high school last week was allegedly motivated by “political and racial ideologies,” says the chief of the Brandon Police Service (BPS). Tyler Bates released a statement Friday commenting on the terrifying attack that occurred inside École Secondaire Neelin High School in Brandon, Man., on June 10. The accused and the victim were not known to each other, BPS said following the violent incident that shocked the student body and people in the second-largest city in Manitoba, about 214 kilometres  west of Winnipeg. The accused, 16, is charged with attempted murder, uttering threats, possession of a weapon dangerous for a dangerous purpose, and disguise with intent. He was arrested without incident and remains in custody. Local media reported earlier this week that the youth was ordered by a provincial court judge to undergo a psychiatric assessment following a court appearance on June 18. He cannot be named under provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act. BPS said its officers responded at 1:15 p.m. to a call last Tuesday about an assault involving two male youths. Tyler Bates (left), chief of the Brandon Police Service, speaks during his swearing-in on Oct. 30, 2024. Photo: City of Brandon The 15-year-old victim, Chinonso (Nonso) Onuke, suffered wounds to his arms, legs and chest. His fingers were seriously injured but he has since been released from hospital. Bates said police “have uncovered a significant amount of evidence that indicates the suspect’s political and racial ideologies were motivating factors in this (alleged) crime.” He alleged the offender planned the attack against targets chosen specifically based on race — namely people of color and immigrants. “It was a deliberate, senseless, targeted act of hate,” Bates alleged. “This is disturbing and no one should ever fear for their safety because of the color of their skin, and no child should be made to feel unsafe in a place of learning. “There is no place in our community for racism, hate, or violence of any kind.” Police say École Secondaire Neelin High School in Brandon, Man., was the scene of a violent student-on-student attack on June 11. Photo: Facebook Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew apologized to the victim “on behalf of the Indigenous people” on Thursday. Kinew and Deputy Premier and Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara visited the victim, who was in Grade 10, at his family home near Sprucewoods just outside Brandon, according to The Brandon Sun. Kinew presented Onuke, a Nigerian Canadian, with a Premier’s Challenge Coin, which is given to deserving individuals at the premier’s discretion. “As a leader in the community, I apologize on behalf of the Indigenous people for the attack,” The Brandon Sun reported Kinew told the family during the nearly 90-minute visit. “I have to do that because I have to take responsibility.” During the visit, the family shared some of their experiences with anti-Black racism. Asagwara is also Nigerian-Canadian. “We want to send a clear message that this province is for everyone,” Kinew added. “While the matter is now before the courts and I can’t speak to all the specific allegations, I want Nonso, his family and everyone in Manitoba to know that we are moving forward together and that we take a stand against racism whenever we encounter it.” Continue Reading