Internet users raised more than $40,000 for a black Louisiana veteran who attacked a passenger at a Colorado airport after the passenger used a racial slur.
The incident happened recently at an airport in Denver. A viral video showed the veteran attacking the passenger after he called him the N-word in front of others. Another video showed the aftermath, with police speaking to the passenger who used the racial slur before being attacked.
After the video gained widespread attention, the veteran shared a video asking viewers for financial support. He explained that he had been informed that he might need to seek legal counsel, which prompted him to start a GoFundMe campaign to help cover his legal fees. The fundraiser also revealed that he is a disabled veteran. “You don’t have to donate this is all optional I appreciate the support yall,” he wrote in the caption.
The GoFundMe also revealed that the veteran was seeking medical help following the altercation. “I’m asking for help after an altercation with a racist in the Denver airport where I defended myself. Since then, I’ve been dealing with a possible hand injury and I think I may have fractured my knuckles. On top of that, I may need a lawyer because of what happened,” he wrote.
He also added, “I’m a disabled veteran living on a fixed income, so these unexpected costs are more than I can handle on my own. Donations will help pay for medical expenses and legal fees related to this incident.” The veteran also said he was dealing with “both the physical pain and the stress of what comes next.” Internet users quickly began supporting the fundraiser, which has now raised $40,344 toward its $50,000 goal.
Viewers Support Black Louisiana Veteran Following Airport Incident
After the Louisiana veteran shared videos of the incident and explained that he needed financial assistance, many viewers expressed their support online. Several people said they had donated or planned to contribute to his fundraiser. “Just donated! It’s a worthy cause!!” one person wrote. Another person said, “We will pay all the legal fees man you did that for all of us.”
More viewers continued showing support for the veteran under his videos. “I only was able to donate $5 but so happy and thankful for you! This workd [sic] needs humbling,” one person wrote. Others offered to help in different ways, with someone saying, “Yes! I know a human rights lawyer who can help you with some recos.” Another person added, “If he has the [expletive] to sue you, then you need to countersue for harassment and mental anguish. Not your fault he let his mouth write a check his [expletive] couldn’t cash!!!!!”
The incident prompted discussion about how people might respond when confronted with racist slurs. The support for the veteran’s fundraiser also showed how some viewers were willing to financially support him as he dealt with the medical and legal expenses he said resulted from the encounter.
