Strangers Unite To Raise Over $140,000 For An Injured Charlottesville Protestor

It’s been only five days since the Charlottesville violence occurred, and while many are still struggling to process the terrorism and fall out, less fortunate souls are coping with and recovering from injuries sustained during the demonstration. 

Deandre Harris is a 20-year-old Charlottesville resident who, like so many others, appeared at the Unite the Right rally as a peaceful counter-protester. He offered an account of his assault to The Root: 

His name may not be widely known, but his story is. He was the poor soul who drew the rage and malice of white supremacists armed with sticks and boards in this video, which quickly went viral in an attempt to identify the assailants. 

Despite the graphic and troubling nature of the video, Harris was fortunate enough to emerge from the incident with his life. He was later treated in a local hospital where he was diagnosed with a broken wrist. He also chipped his tooth during the incident and received eight staples in his head. 

To cover his medical expenses and other incidental costs from the assault, Harris established a GoFundMe page with a target of $50,000. He wrote on the page and shared a graphic image of his injuries (included below):

The effort quickly surpassed its goal, having reached more than $144,000 from 5,500 people in just three days. In addition to the practical effect of helping fund Harris’ medical costs, many are using the fundraiser as a show of support and vigilance against racially motivated violence. 

It’s unlikely that Harris requires more than $100,000 to cover his medical costs, but in response to the intolerance and terrorism on display in Charlottesville, people are making statements in myriad ways. And with these donations, many are choosing to say “You can’t destroy this young man with your hate.” 

Share image via Joe Bruno/Twitter.