Minnesota Woman Raises $660K After Racial Slur Video: Charging Decision Pending

Siloh Hendricks - Rochester woman seen spewing racist slur video:

The video sparked national outrage and triggered both legal and social consequences, while the woman at the center of the incident, identified as Shiloh Hendrix, has raised over $660,000 online in a controversial fundraiser.

Incident Details: Racial Slur Captured on Video

The incident took place on April 28, 2025, at Soldiers Field Memorial Park in Rochester, Minnesota. According to police and eyewitness accounts, Shiloh Hendrix was recorded verbally attacking a 5-year-old Black boy, reportedly on the autism spectrum, using the N-word and other racially charged language.

The video, which quickly went viral on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Facebook, was filmed by Sharmake Omar, a bystander who intervened after hearing the woman’s remarks. In the video, Hendrix can be seen repeating the racial slur in front of several children and adults, while appearing unprovoked and unapologetic.

Read more: Who is Shiloh Hendricks? A Minnesota Mom Raises $430K After Racial Slur Video

Shiloh Hendricks - Rochester Woman Launches GiveSendGo After Viral Racist Slur Video

Police Investigation Completed

On May 5, the Rochester Police Department confirmed in an official statement that their investigation had been completed. They have submitted their findings to the City Attorney's Office, which will determine whether criminal charges should be filed.

"The matter is now in the hands of the City Attorney for a charging decision," said Lt. Tom Faudskar of the Rochester PD. "We understand the gravity of this incident and its impact on the community. The City Attorney will make a careful legal review."

At this time, no charges have been announced, and the City Attorney's Office has not provided a timeline for when a decision may be reached.

Controversial Fundraiser: $660K and Counting

Following the public backlash, Shiloh Hendrix launched a fundraiser on GiveSendGo, a crowdfunding platform popular with right-wing and religious causes. Titled “Help Me Protect My Family,” the campaign alleges that Hendrix and her children have been “doxxed” and are receiving death threats, forcing them to leave their home for safety.

As of May 6, the campaign has raised over $660,000, with many donors praising Hendrix for “standing her ground” or dismissing the backlash as “cancel culture.” The campaign has drawn widespread criticism for profiting off of what many have called blatant, public racism.

Civil rights groups, including the Minnesota NAACP, have denounced the fundraiser. “This is not self-defense — this is hate speech,” said a spokesperson for the Rochester NAACP. “The idea that someone can weaponize racism, go viral, and walk away with a six-figure payout is a dangerous precedent.”

Support for the Victim and Community Response

In response, the Rochester NAACP and community organizers launched a counter-fundraiser to support the victim’s family and provide resources for children with autism and Black youth affected by racism. That campaign raised more than $340,000 before the family requested it be closed to avoid further public scrutiny.

Community outrage has also prompted calls for updated hate speech legislation and anti-racism education in local schools. City council members have scheduled a public forum on the incident for later this month.

“This is a moment for Rochester and Minnesota to reflect on the kind of community we want to be,” said City Councilmember Angela Scott. “We must prioritize healing and accountability.”

Legal Outlook: What Happens Next?

Now that the investigation has been handed over to the City Attorney, legal experts say the most likely charges would involve bias-motivated disorderly conduct or harassment, both of which can be pursued under Minnesota law. However, critics worry that existing statutes may not go far enough in addressing non-violent but harmful racist behavior.

The City Attorney’s Office has not indicated whether they are considering hate crime enhancements, which would require proving that the act was motivated solely by race and caused harm beyond emotional distress.

Conclusion: Ongoing National Conversation

This incident has become part of a broader national conversation about racism, accountability, and the consequences of viral exposure. While some defend Hendrix’s right to free speech, many others say it’s a stark example of how systemic racism continues to affect Black children and families.

With a charging decision pending and public attention still high, the case is expected to set a precedent for how local governments handle racist incidents captured on camera — especially when they involve children and go viral online.

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