Protester hit by SUV at Fremont student walkout protesting ICE

FREMONT, Neb. (WOWT) - A protester was taken to a hospital after they were hit by an SUV at a student protest at Fremont High School on Thursday afternoon.

Fremont Police said officers were called to the high school at about 2:30 p.m. — about a half-hour after the protest was scheduled to start — in reponse to a pedestrian getting hit by a vehicle.

Warning: Some videos included our reports may contain offensive language or be too graphic for some viewers.

Video of the incident first surfaced in a social media post by News Channel Nebraska, showing someone getting hit by a red SUV with a Trump 2024 flag on the back. In the video, the vehicle is seen stopped after the incident, the driver’s door open, with someone walking up to the SUV and getting in the door before driving forward. The SUV stops briefly before the vehicle drives away at a faster speed, but without the flag on the back. The video then shows people attending to the student lying in the roadway near parked vehicles as other traffic maneuvers around the scene.

A second video circulated on social media showed the incident from another angle. In that video, a student protester carrying a sign moves toward the moving SUV before getting struck. The protester then falls to ground as the vehicle quickly stops, then drives off. Two people at the scene make gestures at the vehicle indicating they are urging the driver to stop, but the vehicle drives away.

Students had planned a walkout at the high school at 2 p.m. in protest of ICE immigration enforcement.

Fremont Public Schools issued a statement confirming that the incident happened at the student-led protest, specifically noting that it was not school-sponsored event. According to the district, administrators were supervising “to ensure students were safe and peaceful.”

“At one point, a few students entered the street. One student was hit by a car that stopped in front of the crowd and then began moving,” the release from the school district states.

The protester was taken to the hospital, according to the district; but no updates have been made available about the extent of the person’s injuries.

“We value our relationship with our first responders and their help today,” Superintendent Dr. Brad Dahl said in a statement. “We will continue to work together to keep our students and community safe.”

Fremont Police Chief Jeff Elliott told First Alert 6 that they were still investigating the incident, and would likely have more information to share on Friday.

Lawmakers respond

Gov. Jim Pillen issued a statement Thursday evening:

“Here’s a fundamental truth we should all agree upon: Political violence – no matter what – is never okay.

There is a lot about this particular situation we still need to learn, and we trust that local law enforcement will carry out a thorough and complete investigation.

The freedom to peacefully assemble is a cornerstone of American government and must be protected.

We will continue to monitor this situation and pray for the health of the girl who was hit.”

Sen. Pete Ricketts posted a statment on social media:

Congressman Don Bacon also posted his reaction to the incident on social media:

Congressman Mike Flood also issued a statement Thursday afternoon:

“This is not what we do in Nebraska - this is not ok. The video of the girl being hit by a car at the school protest is disturbing. While initial reports say that the girl was alert and talking when she was taken away, we are praying for her and her well-being. The incident needs to be fully investigated by law enforcement. It is critical that our country preserve the ability of people to safely protest.”

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