Violent Video Shows Gang Beating Teen In South Chicago Neighborhood [UPDATE]

By Chuck Sudo in News on Jan 17, 2012 3:00PM

We want to warn you now: the video below is graphic and will make your blood boil. A group of six youths are being sought by Chicago Police after video of them brutally beating a Chinese teen was posted to Youtube.

The incident occurred Sunday at James Ward Elementary School and lasted for several minutes. In the video the group repeatedly punches, kicks, throws chunks of ice and taunts the victim with the word "n---er" and "“Am I speaking Chinese to you?" The group stole the victim's backpack and shoes and are shown at the end of the video chasing him down the alley, shoeless. The group also stole the victim's wallet and $180 in cash.

The video was first posted on YouTube yesterday with a notice in the upper right hand corner that reads, "please like video so it gets featured." The video later made it to Reddit's Chicago page. Police News Affairs Officer Daniel O'Brien said the incident has become a big deal because of the video.

The beating, which happened in Bridgeport, also harks back to the neighborhood's reputation for racial intolerance, which it's tried to shake in recent years as people — particularly Chinese immigrants — move into the neighborhood. The group of assailants, most of whom appear to be white, could also face hate crime charges.

We live a short walk away from the school where the incident occurred and it disgusts us.

[UPDATE]

NBC 5 is reporting that six are being questioned in connection with the beating. Chicago Police say they don't suspect race to be a factor in the attack.