A viral video showing a white woman, identified as Shiloh Hendrix, allegedly using a racial slur against a 5-year-old black boy at a Rochester (Minnesota) park has fueled intense crowdfunding, protests, and a police investigation. Recorded on April 28, 2025, the incident has sparked polarized reactions, with conservative commentator Matt Walsh strongly condemning the online harassment of Hendrix, arguing the case lacks clear evidence.
In the video, filmed by Sharmake Omar, Hendrix, holding her 18-month-old son, acknowledges using the N-word toward the boy after claiming he took items from her son’s diaper bag. “If that’s what he’s going to act like,” she said when Omar challenged her language. Omar, who knows the boy’s Somali family, said the child has autism spectrum disorder, though authorities have not confirmed this. Hendrix used the slur multiple times, also directing it at Omar.
Matt Walsh, a Daily Wire commentator, argued on Facebook that the incident is shrouded in uncertainty, as no footage captures the initial encounter or verifies the child’s age or condition. “Thousands of strangers united to ruin a mother’s life over an incident no one actually saw,” Walsh wrote, decrying the “internet mob” that doxxed Hendrix, leaking her name, address, and Social Security number.
Luke Saint, president of Future of Christendom and author of The Sound Doctrine of Theocracy, criticized the societal reaction fueling Hendrix’s harassment, arguing it reflects an unhealthy fixation on certain language. Saint’s book advocates a theocratic government based on biblical law, challenging secular systems like America’s constitutional framework. “The word ‘nigger’ was once fading into obscurity and powerlessness, like other words once considered ‘racist,’ but race-baiters now wield it to control discourse,” Saint told The Lancaster Patriot. “Society’s outrage over this word is a reaction we should reserve only for blasphemy.”
Hendrix’s GiveSendGo campaign, “Help Me Protect My Family,” raised over $680,000 toward a $1 million goal, up from $50,000. She claims the funds will help her relocate after threats and leaked information. “I called the kid out for what he was,” Hendrix wrote on the page, which drew early donations with comments condemned as offensive, leading GiveSendGo to mute the section. Jacob Wells, GiveSendGo’s co-founder, defended the campaign, saying, “It didn’t feel right to take either one down because you’re almost playing favorites,” referring to a rival fundraiser.
The boy’s supporters raised over $340,000 via GoFundMe before closing the campaign. The Rochester NAACP launched a crowdfunding effort for legal aid and anti-racism work, stating, “Let’s turn outrage into impact. Stand for this child.” An NAACP town hall, where the child’s family will speak, is set for May 7.
Ja’han Jones, an MSNBC opinion blogger, criticized the crowdfunding for Hendrix, stating, “The fact that conservatives are rallying around her speaks to the victimhood mindset that’s gripping today’s Republican Party.” Community members echoed concerns. “I’m a black mother with black children, and I worry about them every day,” Talana Gentry told Northern News Now at a protest outside Rochester’s city hall, organized by Rochester People’s Action Community. NAACP President Walé Elegbede demanded charges, saying, “We are looking for the woman in question to be charged.”
The Rochester Police Department completed its investigation on May 5, forwarding findings to the city attorney’s office for a charging decision. “We recognize the behavior captured in the video has raised many concerns,” police stated, seeking witnesses. The city attorney’s office described the review as “deliberate” but urgent, with no timeline set. The City of Rochester condemned the slurs, pledging inclusive public spaces in a public statement.
Protests at Roy Southerland Playground and city hall, led by groups like Journie, demanded accountability. “It’s disturbing that this is even happening in Minnesota,” a protester told KIMT. Activist Nashauna Johnson-Lenoir announced a discrimination reporting initiative, D.A.P. (Data Advocacy Policy). Walsh, reflecting on the broader reaction, called the response a “public stoning,” urging scrutiny of unverified narratives driving the outrage.
