Who is Chad Sandford? Video shows Florida trans student, 13, being slammed to the ground as others looked on
DEERFIELD BEACH, FLORIDA: A transgender teen who was walking in the hallway of Deerfield Beach Middle School in Florida was slammed down to the ground. A video of the incident shows how other students stood watching as the student was attacked.
The teen was attacked by a senior student who followed the sixth-grader while she was walking down the hallway of her middle school. The incident took place at 2.30 pm ET on Friday, May 21 as confirmed by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. As of now, it is unclear if the case is being investigated as a hate crime.
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Who is Chad Sandford?
Chad Sandford, 13, is the trans teen who was attacked and a classmate of hers uploaded the video of the attack. Sandford was captured as she was pushed and tripped to the ground. The students appeared to surround Sanford who was on the floor in a fetal position and did not attempt to help her up.
Speaking to NBC on Wednesday, May 26, Sanford said, "I was scared for my life." As of now, what really happened before the video had been captured is not known. Sanford also revealed that of all the students who she was surrounded by, only one of them helped her. She was taken to the principal's office to report the incident.
Sandford's aunt Raquel Showers said that her niece had suffered several headaches following the traumatizing incident. Showers also added that the damage to Sandford's mental health was more severe. Sandford also began to have suicidal thoughts. She said, "I just kept thinking, ‘Why should I be here? Why are you beating me up for being myself?’” and added, “He put me through hell.”
A Broward County Public Schools spokesperson informed the press that they will be looking into the incident. The school district in a statement said, "The school’s leadership is taking this incident seriously and is working with law enforcement in its investigation," and added, "Any students involved will face appropriate school disciplinary consequences in accordance with the codebook for student conduct."
However, what consequences would be faced by the student who attacked Sandford, or the students who had surrounded her and done nothing to help, is unclear. Speaking of the students who watched the incident unfold, Sandford said "They didn’t do anything,” and added, “I wish they, or anyone, did something.”
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also speak with a trained crisis counselor 24/7 by texting HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.