ADVERTISEMENT

Video shows catholic high school group in 'MAGA' hats mocking and harassing Native American protestors at Indigenous Peoples March

native american
  • A large group of high school students was recorded confronting a group of Native American protestors at Friday's Indigenous Peoples March.
  • The group appeared to be mostly boys wearing "Make America Great Again" hats and had been identified as Catholic high school students who had attended the March for Life earlier that day.
  • Several videos posted to social media show a grinning boy standing in the way of a protestor, who was later reported to be a Vietnam War veteran.

A recording that shows a group of high school students mocking Native American protestors at Friday's Indigenous Peoples March sparked outcries on social media

ADVERTISEMENT

A large group of mostly boys wearing "Make America Great Again" hats were recorded surrounding a small group of protestors. In several videos posted to social media, a grinning boy stands face-to-face with a protestor as the large group shrieks, jeers, and claps along with the protestors' drum.

The group was identified as Covington Catholic High School students who had traveled from Kentucky to attend the March for Life. As the videos spread, the school's social media accounts were locked down and calls to the school's main phone number were met with a busy tone.

The main protestor captured in videos of the confrontation was later reported by Indian Country Today to be a Vietnam War veteran named Nathan Phillips.

ADVERTISEMENT

The report also notes Phillips is an Omaha elder, keeper of a sacred pipe, and holds an annual ceremony honoring Native American veterans in the Arlington National Cemetery.

Phillips was notably in another confrontation with Eastern Michigan University students who were dressed as Native Americans for a themed party in April 2015 . A Fox2 report of the incident said when Phillips saw the party of 30 or 40 students, they hurled racial insults and threw beer cans at him.

Videos of Friday's incident sparked sharp backlash on social media, with one user tweeting at Father Michael Hennigan of the Covington Diocese.

Users noted the many boys wearing "Make America Great Again" hats.

New Mexico Congresswoman Deb Haaland said the "display of blatant hate, disrespect, and intolerance," particularly against an American veteran was "heartbreaking."

ADVERTISEMENT

The group had apparently attended the March for Life on the National Mall earlier in the day. The school's website lists the March for Life as a " travel opportunity " and a video posted to Facebook by Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie shows the group on the stairs of the Capitol Friday.

The incident comes a week after President Donald Trump sparked outrage when he referenced the Wounded Knee massacre to mock Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who has been criticized for releasing results to a DNA test to support her past claims that she has Native American heritage.

"If Elizabeth Warren, often referred to by me as Pocahontas, did this commercial from Bighorn or Wounded Knee instead of her kitchen, with her husband dressed in full Indian garb, it would have been a smash!" Trump tweeted, mocking a video Warren posted on social media.

FOLLOW BUSINESS INSIDER AFRICA

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Recommended articles

After months of exchanging blows, Kenya and Uganda takes steps towards resolution

After months of exchanging blows, Kenya and Uganda takes steps towards resolution

Africa's first black billionaire could join $2.9 billion Vivendi bid for MultiChoice

Africa's first black billionaire could join $2.9 billion Vivendi bid for MultiChoice

10 most dangerous African countries in 2024

10 most dangerous African countries in 2024

Russia’s nuclear influence expands further north of Africa

Russia’s nuclear influence expands further north of Africa

Navigating the future: How AI transforms selling on Amazon

Navigating the future: How AI transforms selling on Amazon

Wall decor tips: Transforming your space with style and creativity

Wall decor tips: Transforming your space with style and creativity

Putin's African diplomacy: Security talks with West, Central Africa take centre stage

Putin's African diplomacy: Security talks with West, Central Africa take centre stage

Infinix users get over 35% exclusive discount on Showmax premier league & general entertainment subscription

Infinix users get over 35% exclusive discount on Showmax premier league & general entertainment subscription

10 longest bridges in Africa

10 longest bridges in Africa

ADVERTISEMENT