Two Louisiana Tech Students Arrested After Viral Racial Slur Video
Two Louisiana Tech University students have been arrested following an investigation into a viral video in which racial slurs could be heard repeatedly shouted over an amplification device near campus.
Ruston Police identified the students as Taylor Guerrero and Jackson Gilbert. Both have been charged with disturbing the peace following the incident that gained widespread attention on social media over the weekend.
The arrests mark the latest development in an incident that prompted a public response from Louisiana Tech and an investigation by authorities.
What Police Say Happened Near Louisiana Tech
The investigation began after video of the incident spread across social media.
In the footage, the N-word can be heard repeatedly over what appears to be a loudspeaker or PA system. Microphone feedback can also be heard in portions of the recordings.
According to additional reporting, the video was recorded from a parking lot near Louisiana Tech's parking garage on West Mississippi Avenue. The amplified language was reportedly coming from a gathering at the Sigma Nu fraternity's Eta Zeta Chapter house adjacent to the parking lot.
The original video did not show who was speaking into the amplification system.
Ruston Police said its investigation into the widely circulated video led to the arrests of Guerrero and Gilbert.
Students Charged With Disturbing The Peace
Guerrero, 20, and Gilbert, 18, were arrested Monday afternoon and charged with disturbing the peace involving loud and abusive language, according to reports.
Both were reportedly booked into the Lincoln Parish Detention Center on Ruston City Court warrants and later released.
Ruston Police Chief Eric Watson called the incident an "egregious act" that disrupted the community and said it warranted a decisive response from law enforcement.
"Our department will continue to work hand-in-hand with university officials to ensure that behavior of this nature is met with full legal accountability," Watson said.
KNOE reports that Ruston Police described the arrests as the result of a swift investigation and said the case remains active.
Louisiana Tech Previously Condemned Viral Video
The arrests come days after Louisiana Tech publicly addressed the videos as they began circulating online.
The university called the language "repugnant" and said the behavior depicted was intolerable.
Louisiana Tech also said it would fully investigate the incident and that those found responsible would be held accountable.
The university's response followed a social media post from a parent who said her son and his friend encountered the incident while returning to their dorm rooms.
Investigation Into Louisiana Tech Incident Remains Active
The case may not be over with the two arrests.
Ruston Police said the investigation remains active as authorities continue reviewing additional information. Other reporting indicates investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and witness accounts connected to the incident.
Sigma Nu is also reportedly conducting its own investigation.
No additional arrests or charges had been announced as of Thursday afternoon.
