Simi Valley, CA – An 18-year-old Black teenager is speaking out after being brutally assaulted by a group of white teens in what is being described by many as a racially motivated attack outside a movie theater in Simi Valley. The shocking incident, captured on video, has sparked widespread outrage both locally and online.
Attack Caught on Camera Outside Regal Cinemas
On August 2, Michael Robinson, 18, was out with friends at Regal Cinemas on Tapo Canyon Road when the group was suddenly confronted by intoxicated teens. According to Robinson, the altercation began when one of the teens punched his friend in the face, and the group then turned their aggression toward him.
“They hit one of my friends in the face first,” Robinson told KTLA News. “Then, they rush me. I’m in between two cars. I run into the parking lot, and they proceed to slam me into the hood of a car and jump me.”
Witness video shows Robinson being surrounded, punched, and kicked repeatedly. The assault continued as he tried to flee. At one point, he picked up a chair to protect himself, but the group caught up to him again.
Mall Security Allegedly Refused to Help
As the beating continued, Robinson said he sought help from a mall security guard, but was allegedly ignored.
“They still caught me,” he said. “They put my head in the trash can and hit me in the back of my head.”
The assault video quickly went viral on social media, prompting widespread condemnation. Many described it as a “horrific anti-Black hate crime” and demanded accountability.
Teen Suffered Multiple Injuries
Robinson suffered cuts, bruises, and a chipped tooth. He reported the attack to police alongside his mother, and an official investigation was launched. Robinson noted he had no prior connection to any of the attackers.
On August 3, four teens were arrested for battery. One of the suspects is the son of a Simi Valley police officer, though authorities confirmed the officer is not involved in the investigation.
Community Demands Hate Crime Charges
At an emotional Simi Valley City Council meeting on August 4, residents called for hate crime charges to be filed.
“What happened on Saturday is a hate crime, and I urge you to ask the DA to investigate and prosecute it as such,” one resident said.
Another speaker added, “Hate crimes cannot continue to be swept under the rug. On behalf of the Black student body of Simi Valley, we demand justice for Michael Robinson.”
Legal Team Pushes for Equitable Investigation
Jamal Tooson, Robinson’s attorney, said they are calling for a fair and thorough investigation.
“The entire county of Ventura is watching,” Tooson told KTLA. “Broadly, on a national level, we are going to be looking to see how this situation is handled.”
Robinson Forgives, But Wants Accountability
Despite the traumatic incident, Robinson says he forgives his attackers.
“I forgive [the attackers], but there are consequences to your actions,” he said.
The four teens were cited and released. As of now, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office has not confirmed whether hate crime charges will be filed.
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