*A white student at East Tennessee State University student was arrested Wednesday after going to a Black Lives Matter protest on campus wearing a gorilla mask and handing out bananas.
Tristan Rettke, an 18-year-old freshman, wore overalls and a gorilla mask to attend the protest, reports the Chicago Tribune. Toting a burlap sack with a Confederate flag and a marijuana leaf on it, he offered bananas to students who were protesting, according to the ETSU police department report. He was arrested and charged with civil rights intimidation.
After he was read his rights, Rettke told officers that several days earlier he had seen on social media that there would be a Black Lives Matter event in the “free speech” area of Borchuck Plaza on the Johnson City, Tenn., campus.
He said he went to a store Tuesday to buy rope to tie to a bunch of bananas. While there he also bought the mask and brought it all to the event on Wednesday. According to the police report, Rettke said his actions were intended to provoke the protesters.
In a video posted on Twitter, the protesters are either laughing at Rettke’s absurdity or ignoring him outright.  although one protester says on the video that his hands are shaking with anger. A woman at the protest called police.
Watch below:
BLM protesters harassed by a white guy in a gorrilla mask w/ bananas, rope, and a confederate flag bag. Y’all mad at dude taking a knee tho pic.twitter.com/Zy5NxpiXv7
— Julie (@home_skilletb) September 28, 2016
ETSU president Brian Noland sent a message to campus Wednesday:
“Earlier today during a student-led Black Lives Matter event at Borchuck Plaza, our campus community was outraged by the behavior of one student who confronted the participants. The actions of this one individual go against the values of our university where people come first and all are treated with dignity and respect.
“We are exceptionally proud of the students who were peacefully participating in the event and the manner in which they exercised restraint, thoughtfulness and strength in the face of inappropriate and offensive behavior.
“The ETSU Department of Public Safety staff responded to the incident. At this time, criminal charges are pending before the local district attorney, and an internal student-conduct investigation has begun.
“Our university values diversity, inclusivity and respect for others. In keeping with those values, there will be an opportunity for community dialogue tonight at 7 p.m. inside the D.P. Culp Auditorium. University leadership will be present.”
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