NORTH TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WKBW) — It's disturbing video we first showed you Thursday night from North Tonawanda, showing a group of girls hitting, punching, and kicking a young girl.
The incident happened Wednesday on the North Tonawanda High School field.
A group of wrestlers, who were working out at the time saw the incident happened and knew something wasn't right.
"Me and Anthony were like, 'this can't happen, we have to stop it," said 15 year-old Simon Griskonis, a Junior at North Tonawanda.
"The group of girls emerged from behind the bleachers," said 17 year-old Anthony Swan. "The girl was walking away from the mob and they beat on her."
The boys say moments before they stepped in, they learned the three girls had poured urine all over the girl they were hitting.
"She got kicked in the face and that just really upset me," Simon said.
So the boys stepped in. Swan grabbed the girl and walked with her off the field. Griskonis approached the other girls.
"They were like, 'we're not leaving, we hang out here all the time," he said. "And I told them to get off the field."
"As soon as I stepped in, everyone backed away," Swan said.
Swan then walked the girl home.
"She was just saying, 'thank you so much. She told me about what was dumped on her."
The video, that's now gone viral has the attention of North Tonawanda Police. Police say an investigation is ongoing but the girls will be dealt with in Family Court.
The boys say they are not heroes. They just did what was right.
The community is collecting donations for the girl involved.
The NT girls softball team is collecting donations for the girl who was bullied. They would like her to get a new wardrobe for school to help her feel good. @wkbw pic.twitter.com/J30ddsfzjq
— Hannah Buehler (@HannahBuehler) July 3, 2020
The parents of the girl who was attacked released the following statement:
“This is the most painful thing I’ve ever had to write...On July 1, 2020, our daughter, Amelia, was the victim of an assault in North Tonawanda. She was attacked and humiliated in front of a dozen other kids by three girls...dragged by her hair, punched and kicked repeatedly in the head as well as having urine poured on her. This whole time, she never once tried to fight...she continually tried to walk away. As many stood and watched, only two courageous, outstanding young men stepped in to help, Anthony and Simon. These boys did not know our daughter, they just knew she was in trouble, and they took action. I can’t think of where we might be today had they not stopped this heinous assault on our sweet child. This being said, we cannot find enough words to praise and thank not only Anthony and Simon, but their parents, for raising young men with such courage, love and just basic human decency...Thank you.
The way our community has rallied around Amelia...the kind words, the gifts, the donations, and all the assurances that she is not alone and is very much loved, has been overwhelming. All the beautiful words of comfort and encouragement have brought a smile to her face. She has loved reading the messages of love and kindness....so again, we thank you all.
Most of all, it is our fondest wish this horrible and senseless act can turn into a positive for others, not only in our community, but for all these kids who suffer from bullying and attacks every day. Take the example of these young men, and rise above the bullies... show love and kindness, not hate.We thank each and every one of our family and friends, for their amazing support and love. We thank our community and all the others who have rallied up to take a stand. Most of all, we thank Anthony and Simon. Without their help, I shudder to think of where we could be today. Amelia is here. Amelia is strong. Amelia is still smiling.
Thank you.
– Dawn and Joseph"
