Officials stunned after student is struck by vehicle displaying Trump flag

OMAHA — A student was struck by a vehicle during an anti-ICE rally Thursday in front of Fremont High School. The SUV, which displayed a Trump flag, fled the scene, video of the incident shows.

The episode was captured and shared first by News Channel Nebraska, which also reported that the girl was alert as she was taken by rescue personnel to the hospital.

Fremont police did not immediately respond to a reporter’s calls. School officials released a brief statement, which in part described the 2 p.m. rally as a non-school sponsored, student-led demonstration.

U.S. Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb., who owns News Channel Nebraska and represents Fremont, released remarks on social media, and shared the video. He called the incident disturbing.

“This is not what we do in Nebraska — this is not ok,” said Flood. “It is critical that our country preserve the ability of people to safely protest.”

The incident set off a flurry of statements from public officials.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen described “the freedom to peacefully assemble” a cornerstone of American government that must be protected.

He added, in a statement, “Here’s a fundamental truth we should all agree upon: Political violence — no matter what — is never okay.”

U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb, released a statement saying he was “praying” for the student.

“We must all remember that we can disagree politically and not resort to violence as a response,” said Ricketts.

The former governor said he expected all high school administrations to ensure students have a “safe and productive learning environment and take appropriate disciplinary actions when necessary.”

U.S. Sen Deb Fischer, R-Neb., said that, “In Nebraska, we respect the right of people to peacefully protest” and offered prayers for the young woman in this “horrible incident.”

“Disrupting such a peaceful protest with violence is never OK,” she said. “I hope the person involved is identified.”

Retiring U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., also called for the driver to be held accountable “for using their vehicle to assault a legal protestor.”

“Let us be decent towards each other and respect differences of opinions,” he said. “Decency, patience, kindness and empathy.”

According to NCN, the driver of the red SUV with a Trump flag flying from its rear end stopped near a group of students in front of the high school and got out of the vehicle, exchanging words with protesters. He returned to the car, revved the engine and drove forward.

The girl was in front of the vehicle, facing it, when she was struck and was flung to the side. A school administrator reportedly approached and the driver drove off.

The Fremont Public Schools statement said school 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 statement said. It did not identify the student or provide an update on her condition.

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