Tennessee College Student Wore Gorilla Mask, Handed Out Bananas to Protest Against Black Lives Matters

Handed Out Noose-Wrapped Bananas

A white 18-year-old East Tennessee State University freshman who was barefoot, wearing a gorilla mask and bib overalls was arrested by campus public safety officers after he disrupted a Black Lives Matter protest by handing out noose-wrapped bananas to the BLM participants and passers-by Wednesday.

The teen, who has been identified as Tristan John Rettke, was taken into custody by the campus police and brought to the Washington County Detention Center. Rettke was arrested and charged with civil rights intimidation violations, after discussion by public safety supervisors, the ETU campus administration and the Washington County District Attorney General’s office. 

Tristan John Rettke Booking Photo via Washington County TN Sheriff’s Office

According to ETSU Campus Police, Rettke said he went to the Black Lives Matter event “in attempt to provoke the protesters.” In a video taken from Facebook by local television station WJHL Channel 11, Rettke is seen walking around barefoot and wearing overalls and a gorilla mask. According to ETSU Campus officials, he handed out bananas from a burlap sack that had a marijuana leaf and a Confederate flag printed on it.

“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,” ETSU officials stated in a statement released on Facebook. “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.

ETSU’s President Brian Noland held a press conference Wednesday afternoon, addressing the incident which he watched happen in almost real time on Facebook.

“I was offended, but I was also saddened,” Noland said, adding, “The nation is not only raw, but it’s healing.” The University president’s remarks were in reference to recent shooting deaths of black males at the hands of law enforcement which has touched off national grief and protest. 

A spokesperson for the district attorney’s office told The New Civil Rights Movement that Rettke appeared for an arraignment hearing Thursday and his next court date has been set for Nov. 9 at 1:30 p.m. ETSU officials confirmed that he has also been temporarily suspended from the school pending further investigation.

 

Image: Screenshot via WHJL News 11, Johnson City, Tennessee