Rochester, Minn. — A white mother is under investigation after she was recorded using a racial slur against a Black child at a public park in Rochester, Minnesota, on April 16. The incident, captured on video and verified by multiple outlets, has sparked outrage in the community and drawn attention to the city’s ongoing efforts to address racial tensions.
The confrontation unfolded at a playground where the woman, whose identity has not been released by authorities, accused a young Black boy of taking an item belonging to her child. In the footage, she appears to admit to using the slur when confronted by bystanders, claiming the boy’s actions justified her words. Witnesses, including a man named Omar who recorded the exchange, said the boy, estimated to be around 5 years old, was visibly shaken. Omar, who knows the child’s family, noted that the boy’s parents, Somali immigrants, were supervising their four children at the park when the incident occurred.
Police responded to the scene after receiving calls about a disturbance. According to a statement from the Rochester Police Department issued on April 17, officers spoke with those involved and are reviewing the video as part of their investigation. No arrests have been made, but the case has been referred to the Olmsted County Attorney’s Office to determine if charges, potentially including harassment or disorderly conduct, are warranted. Minnesota’s laws allow for bias-motivated crimes to carry enhanced penalties, though it’s unclear if this applies here.
The video, which surfaced online shortly after the incident, also captured the woman making derogatory remarks about Omar and his family, including a claim that they were a burden on public resources. Rochester, a city with a history of welcoming refugees, has seen its Somali population grow in recent years, and community leaders have since called for dialogue to address underlying tensions. The boy’s parents, who have not been publicly named, expressed support for pursuing legal action, according to those close to the family.
City officials have remained tight-lipped, but a spokesperson for the mayor’s office confirmed on April 18 that the parks department is cooperating with police to provide any relevant surveillance footage. The investigation remains active, with authorities urging anyone with additional information to come forward.