An Overland Park, Kan. man who made headlines for spitting on a Black pre-schooler at Hooters Monday, Feb. 26 has been charged over the racist attack.
Terrence J. Skeen, 42, has been charged with one count each of battery, disorderly conduct and assault according to KCTV. Skeen is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, April 3.
The 3-year-old victim was at Hooters with his family who was celebrating a birthday when onlookers saw Skeen, a first responder who saw the child wander away said, “get that little n—- up off the floor,” after spitting on him.
Once officers arrived on the scene a witness told the local news station, “I didn’t catch what the officer said to him, but his immediate response was ‘It’s okay, I’m a fireman.’ Like that was supposed to blanket cover everything for him.”
Now, the case has been handed over to the FBI to determine if any more investigation is needed.
“My whole body just went numb,” the 3-year-old’s grandfather said anonymously. “How could someone do that to a child? He’s a baby. He’s helpless. He didn’t deserve that.”
In a statement reacting to the incident, Hooters said, “it does not tolerate any harassment or discriminatory language, the safety and well-being of our guests and employees are our utmost priorities. Of course, it goes without saying that our policy is to fully cooperate with any law enforcement investigation.”
