A man wearing a Nazi uniform who allegedly assaulted a University of Georgia student in downtown Athens, has been released from jail on bond. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, 33-year-old Kenneth Morgan faced a felony charge of aggravated assault and two misdemeanor battery charges after a confrontation outside a bar on Clayton Street. The incident was captured on video showing Morgan, adorned with a swastika armband, striking the student with an object in his hand.
The authorities have yet to disclose the details behind the assault or Morgan's motive for wearing the costume. An university spokesperson confirmed to FOX 5 Atlanta that Morgan is not affiliated with UGA. The Southern Poverty Law Center emphasized, "I mean, costumes are expected around this time of the year, but certain imagery, like the Nazi swastika like, carries a legacy of extremism, hate and violence," as Yterenickia Bell stated. As of now, Morgan's next court appearance has not been set, and he was released after bonding out of the Athens-Clarke County Jail.
A similar report from WJCL detailed that the altercation took place outside Cutter’s Bar, where Morgan was seen hitting a woman in the face with a glass pitcher after she and others confronted him. UGA has condemned the actions of the individual and stated he is not a student, adding his actions were "appalling." The university is offering support to the attacked student and others affected via their Student Care and Outreach team.
Morgan was initially held on a $15,000 bond and spent four nights in jail before his release. The incident sparked community outrage, with Rabbi Michoel Refson of Chabad at UGA, whose grandmother was an Auschwitz survivor, finding the act especially hurtful. He encouraged the Jewish community to "Spread love," in a statement obtained by WJCL, turning his negativity on its head. UGA junior Grace Reichelt, quoted by WJCL as being nearby on the night of the incident, echoed the sentiment that such dress is not acceptable and his actions were notably unacceptable.
