Woman in viral racial slurs video charged by City of Rochester

Woman in viral racial slurs video charged

Shiloh Hendrix, a woman caught hurling racial slurs in a Rochester playground in April, has been charged with three counts of disorderly conduct.

According to the Rochester City Attorney’s Office, the charge is a misdemeanor with a maximum of 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine, as initially reported by 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS sister station, KAAL.

The full statement from the City of Rochester is below:

“The Rochester City Attorney’s Office is filing a complaint summons, stemming from the April 28, 2025, incident that occurred at Roy Sutherland Playground, at Soldier’s Field Park.

“The draft complaint, attached, is subject to review and approval by a District Court judge. The draft complaint charges Shiloh Hendrix with three counts of Disorderly Conduct under Minnesota Statute 609.72, subd. 1(3), a misdemeanor level charge with a maximum of 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.

“This matter involved a large amount of evidence and required careful consideration of potential charging options across multiple offices. Additionally, under Minnesota law prosecutors are required to involve and consider the perspective of the crime victim. Given the sensitive and complicated nature of this case, along with the high level of public attention, completing the necessary reviews and conversations with the victim’s family took longer than usual. 

“The City Attorney’s Office remains focused on the legal process and is committed to ensuring a fair process. We will not speculate on the length of the court process or the potential outcome. 

“As the legal process moves forward, the City recognizes not only the significant attention and emotion surrounding this case, but also the complex and lasting impacts situations like this have on communities of color and our broader community. Conversations and activities are unfolding across many different spaces, reflecting both immediate reactions and long-term needs. These ongoing efforts will continue regardless of the outcome of the legal proceedings. 

“This was a situation that deeply affected many people, especially our communities of color, and caused real turmoil in our community,” shared Mayor Kim Norton. “We acknowledge the lasting impact this incident has had, not only on those directly involved and across our community, but also in the broader conversations happening at the state and national level. These moments remind us of the complexity and far-reaching impacts of situations like this. The City remains committed to staying engaged and proceeding with transparency and care, continuing efforts that support accountability and progress in Rochester.

“The City remains committed to supporting a fair and transparent court process while continuing its broader efforts to listen, learn and move forward together.“

RELATED: NAACP confirms third family claiming to be victims of Rochester racial slur incident is correct one

Since the viral video, conversations about “First Amendment rights” and what constitutes “protected speech” have spread across the nation.

Jane Kirtley, a media ethics and law professor at the University of Minnesota’s Hubbard School of Journalism, however, says that in some instances, it isn’t so much the words themselves that are charged, but rather the conduct and actions surrounding the words.

“That’s the hook on which you hang a prosecution, a complaint like this, to say that it’s not just an expression of a political viewpoint,” she said. “It actually escalates to the level of constituting a threat, intimidation, or incitement to violence.”

Another aspect that likely played into the decision, according to Professor Kirtley, is the fact that the main victim in this case was a child.

Children are typically afforded more protection in instances like this, which means the prosecution has a stronger case to present when it comes to charging Hendrix.

“It’s disorderly conduct that also includes in it speech that intimidates, threatens, or otherwise makes somebody feel like they are in danger,” Kirtley said. “One of the things about the term assault in law is that it doesn’t necessarily require that you physically strike someone or throw something at them. Assault can simply be verbal.”

The Rochester City Attorney’s Office has stated that no official court date has been set, but a judge has already signed the criminal complaint, so one is expected soon.

Additionally, the attorney’s office stated that it is likely Hendrix will not be eligible for a public defender, considering the more than $800,000 she raised in the aftermath of the inciting incident; however, that decision will be left to the courts.

Following the charges, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said, “Hendrix’s behavior was horrible, wrong, and morally repugnant. I hope she is ashamed of what she did, she certainly ought to be, and I am glad she is being held accountable.”

The Rochester Branch of the NAACP also released a statement regarding the city of Rochester’s decision to pursue charges against Hendrix:

“From the beginning, the Rochester Branch of the NAACP’s social justice efforts have been rooted in apowerful truth: no child should ever be dehumanized, and love must always be louder than hate.

“Today’s announcement by the City of Rochester Attorney’s Office regarding charges filed in connection with the April 28, 2025, hate-fueled incident at Soldiers Field Park is both important and appropriate. The Rochester Branch of the NAACP thanks the City Attorney’s Office for its leadership, thoroughness, and due diligence in ensuring that justice moves forward in our beloved City of Rochester, Minnesota. We continue to stand in full solidarity and support of the victimized child and family, working alongside them with complete trust and transparency.

“The filing of these charges — three counts of Disorderly Conduct under Minnesota Statute 609.72, subd. 1(3) —represents an important and meaningful first step toward accountability and justice. The victimized child, family, and our community deserve full accountability and justice for the harm caused to a vulnerable Black child with a severe disability by Shiloh Marie Hendrix, who has displayed no remorse.

“We call on the Olmsted County Attorney’s Office to equally demonstrate leadership and leave no stone unturned in thoroughly investigating the hateful and traumatic nature of this incident. Ms. Hendrix’s actions were intentional, racist, threatening, and hateful — directed at a vulnerable child, and this incident is not isolated. Over the past years, we’ve seen a disturbing increase in racially motivated acts that continue to demand justice and accountability.

“When I met this young boy, within 30 seconds I could see the tremendous challenges he lives with and that he has a serious disability,” said Dr. Walé Elegbede, President of the Rochester Branch of the NAACP. “Shiloh Hendrix also saw the state of this child, and instead of bringing compassion, she inflicted hatred, harm, racism, and trauma upon him. She has shown no remorse for her actions.

“President Elegbede added, “No child should ever be subjected to racial terror. We are encouraged that charges have been filed and view this as a first step toward justice. The message passed down through the ages is clear: when we fight, we win. From the broken shackles at the feet of the Statue of Liberty to the long march for civil rights, America’s promise of justice and freedom has always been forged through persistence. Those shattered chains symbolize liberation — freedom from bondage, hatred, fear, and oppression of any kind. Our fight in this case continues that legacy, to ensure liberty and justice are not hollow words, but living truths for every child.

“The Executive Leadership Committee of the Rochester Branch of the NAACP — powered by our dedicated members — continues to work tirelessly alongside the family, who are fully supportive of this important step taken by the City of Rochester Attorney’s Office. Their steadfast commitment and courage reflect our Branch’s mission to confront hate and demand justice.

“A press conference is planned for Thursday, August 28, 2025. Additional details will be shared soon.“

The post Woman in viral racial slurs video charged by City of Rochester first appeared on KSTP.com 5 Eyewitness News.