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Reported Greenbelt victim retracts statement – claims attack never happened
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Boise Police recently said the Boise State University student
leader who claimed he was attacked because of his sexual orientation confessed to detectives he fabricated the report.
Investigators said the student admitted using a stick and his fists to self-inflict his injuries and that other evidence connected to his initial report had also been fabricated.
Police spokeswoman Lynn Hightower said the student’s confession of a false report is consistent with evidence uncovered by detectives during their investigation.
“Boise Police expended many valuable resources investigating the initial report. When competed, the investigation on filing a false report will be forwarded to prosecutors for possible charges,” Hightower said. “Filing a false police report is a misdemeanor with a penalty of up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.”
The student claimed last week a white male struck him from behind with an object while using anti-gay expletives and proceeded to hit him in the face several times, causing him to lose consciousness.
The student said the incident occurred somewhere between Taylor Hall and Friendship Bridge on the Boise River Greenbelt.
According to Associated Students of Boise State University officials, at some point the student made his way to the Student Union Building where an ambulance was called.
The student was then transported to the emergency room.
The falsified attack quickly prompted student and administrative organizations around Boise State to sponsor a “No Oppression Tolerated, Not On Our Campus,” rally last Tuesday and a candlelight vigil Wednesday night in the Quad.
Several student representatives and BSU administrators stressed tolerance and the need for civility on campus at the rallies and for days after. Hundreds attended the rallies.
As a result of the report, the Boise Police Department added officers to the Boise State campus. Officers increased their presence in the Student Union Building and on the Greenbelt. Officers had been working on the investigation for more than a week.
Shortly after his confession to police, the student sent out e-mails to members of the media asking they not give the incident any more attention, saying he “wanted it to
go away.”
Hightower said Boise investigators are aware of claims about the student’s motivation for making the false report, but “those claims are part of the ongoing investigation and not available for release at this time.”
Frank Zang, Boise State’s director of communications, said the series of events has served as a difficult time for the campus community.
“We are supporting the student any way we can with counseling services and through the help of his friends, family and university staff,” Zang said.
“It is a relief to know that this assault did not take place on the Greenbelt near campus.”
The BSU administration remains committed to a safe and secure environment for its students, faculty, staff and visitors, Zang added.
“The campus community and the Boise Police Department took this report seriously and investigated it as a suspected bias incident,” he said, recalling the actions that took place in response to the purported attack. “The administration
recognizes that its efforts need to be ongoing to further
develop a campus climate of respect and inclusiveness.”
Drew Mayes
