NEWPORT, R.I. — A 16-year-old student at Rogers High School has been arrested and charged after allegedly assaulting and whipping a special-needs student inside a school locker room, according to local authorities.
The incident, captured on video, shows the victim being struck multiple times, including lashes to the body and face. Several football players were seen standing by during the assault, taking no action to intervene or alert school staff.
Newport Public Schools Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain condemned the behavior of the bystanders, calling the footage “deeply disturbing.”
“Even more disturbing, the video we have seen shows other players not intervening or bringing this matter to the attention of an adult,” Jermain said.
Following an investigation, Newport Police arrested the suspect — a 16-year-old male student — and charged him with two counts of assault on persons with severe impairments, a crime taken extremely seriously under Rhode Island law.
School officials have stated that disciplinary action is underway for all students involved or present during the incident. The district is also reviewing supervision protocols in athletic facilities to prevent future incidents.
The condition of the injured student has not been publicly released.
Authorities say the investigation remains active.
