Key Points:
- A man wearing a Nazi uniform assaulted a 23-year-old University of Georgia student outside an Athens bar.
- The suspect, identified as 32-year-old Kenneth Leland Morgan, was arrested and faces battery and assault charges.
- The university condemned the act as “heinous antisemitic behavior” and offered counseling to affected students.
Violent Confrontation Outside Athens Bar
Authorities in Athens, Georgia, have arrested a man accused of assaulting a University of Georgia (UGA) student while dressed in a full Nazi uniform. The incident, which occurred Thursday night outside Cutters Pub in downtown Athens, has sparked outrage both on campus and online after video of the attack circulated widely.
UGA confirmed the assault in a statement Sunday, saying it was “horrified by the actions of an individual who, while in downtown Athens wearing a Nazi uniform, assaulted a female University of Georgia student.” The university clarified that the man was not affiliated with the school and thanked Athens-Clarke County police for their swift response and arrest.
The victim, 23-year-old Grace Lang, told reporters that she suffered cuts to her face requiring four stitches after being struck with a beer mug. Lang said the attacker, identified as Kenneth Leland Morgan, appeared intoxicated and was initially confronted by two of her friends — one of whom is Jewish — before the situation escalated.
Lang said she tried to grab Morgan’s swastika armband, prompting him to swing the beer mug and hit her in the face. “He was just feeling very proud of himself for what he was wearing,” she said. Witnesses reported that bar patrons had refused to let Morgan inside before police arrived.
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Suspect in Custody, Community Condemns Attack
According to Athens-Clarke County jail records, Morgan, 32, was arrested early Friday and booked on two misdemeanor counts of simple battery and one felony count of aggravated assault. He remained in custody as of Sunday. It is unclear whether he has obtained legal representation.
The university condemned the assault as “heinous antisemitic behavior”, urging students to seek support through on-campus counseling services. “His actions, which were caught on videotape, are appalling,” the school said. “We are grateful to law enforcement for acting quickly to ensure the safety of our students.”
Community leaders and students expressed shock that such an incident could occur in downtown Athens. The timing — just days before Halloween — added to the outrage, with many calling the suspect’s costume and violence deeply offensive.
As the investigation continues, police have not said whether additional charges could be filed. Meanwhile, the video of the altercation continues to spread across social media, fueling widespread condemnation of hate symbols and acts of violence.
The University of Georgia reiterated its stance against antisemitism and hate-fueled behavior, vowing to continue fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all students.