Shiloh Hendrix, 37, is on trial in Olmsted County District Court in Rochester, Minnesota, facing charges of disorderly conduct following an incident in April where she allegedly used a racial slur against an 8-year-old Black boy. The encounter, which was captured on video and went viral, reportedly began as a dispute over a container of applesauce. Hendrix has pleaded not guilty to the charges, each a misdemeanor carrying a maximum sentence of 90 days in jail.
Jury selection began Monday, with the panel tasked with determining whether Hendrix's actions were unlawful and likely to incite violence, or if her words fall under First Amendment protections. Hendrix's attorney, Brian Karalus, raised concerns about not receiving a witness list from the prosecution, who cited safety concerns for withholding it. KAALTV reported that right-wing activist Jake Lang was present in court, and protestors outside advocated for Hendrix's release.
According to the complaint, the boy's father had taken his three children to the park when his son, described as "profoundly and visibly autistic," took applesauce from Hendrix's diaper bag. A chase ensued as both Hendrix and the father attempted to retrieve the applesauce. During this, Hendrix allegedly began yelling the slur at the child. Another park-goer witnessed the confrontation and began recording Hendrix.
When questioned by the individual recording, Hendrix reportedly became more agitated, allegedly raising her middle finger and using the same epithet. When asked if she intended to hit the child, Hendrix is quoted as saying, "Yeah! He took my son's stuff!" and "That little fing kid did." She also reportedly told the person recording to "f off."
The complaint states that Hendrix "wrongfully and unlawfully engaged in offensive or abusive language that would reasonably tend to arouse alarm, anger, or resentment in others." The parents of the boy, who wish to remain anonymous due to safety concerns, issued a statement last year demanding accountability for the incident. "Our child deserves justice and we will not rest until it is served," the statement read, delivered during an NAACP town hall.
Following the video's circulation, Hendrix launched an online fundraiser, seeking $1 million to protect her family and relocate. The page stated she had been "doxed" and her family was facing attacks. The fundraiser garnered over $800,000, drawing criticism online regarding donations made to someone accused of racist behavior and raising questions about accountability.
In a June update on the fundraiser, Hendrix stated her family was doing well and thanked supporters for believing her account and defending her "truth" and the First Amendment. The trial is expected to proceed with opening statements after jury selection concludes.