via Twitter
Bailey McLaren, 16, has been identified as the bully in the shocking viral video that shows him “waterboarding” a 15-year-old Syrian refugee named Jamal at Almondsbury High School in Huddersfield, England.
What Happened?
The video — which was reportedly shot at the Almondbury Community School on October 25 but did not go viral until Tuesday, November 27 — shows McLaren harassing a 16-year-old Syrian refugee named Jamal before throwing him on the ground and pouring water on his face to “waterboard” him.
According to Heavy, following an investigation by police and school officials, a 16-year-old boy, presumed to be McLaren, was interviewed by and is cooperating with police.
Steve Dodds, the Superintendent of the West Yorkshire Police Kirklees District, released the following statement about the incident:
“We are investigating a report of a racially-aggravated assault of a 15-year-old boy which occurred on playing fields at Almondbury Community School at about 1 p.m. on October 25. A 16-year-old boy has been interviewed by voluntary attendance in connection with the incident and we are continuing to progress the investigation.”
Following the spread of the shocking video, a GoFundMe was created for Jamal and his family, which hit its goal of $85,000 (£75,000) in just 24 hours.
The organizer of the GoFundMe explained that his friend, who does charity work in the are, plans to add Jamal’s relevant guardians as the beneficiaries of the total funds. Additionally, they will be increasing the target goal as long as the donations continue to pour in as they believe it as important to “raise as much money as possible” for the family.
via GoFundMe:
My friend does regular charity work in Huddersfield which involves giving food donations to refugee families. He is in contact with them and has made them aware of this Go Fund Me page. My friend is also keeping me updated on any responses from them.
-I plan to add Jamal’s relevant guardians as the beneficiaries of the total funds. I am working with Kelsey from Go Fund Me (we are in contact via email) to ensure that the money gets to them.
-Throughout the campaign I have increased the target of the funds and I will continue to do so as I feel it is important that we raise as much money as possible for the family.
Additionally, Daily Mail reports that police are currently patroling McLaren’s home after his personal information was shared online, causing threats to be made against him and his family.
Who Is Bailey McLaren?
Bailey McLaren has identified as the 16-year-old teenager that can be seen “waterboarding” a 15-year-old Syrian refugee classmate named Jamal at Almondsbury High School in Huddersfield, England.
