Students March In Western Wisconsin To Decry Attack On Hmong Hunter

Around 75 Hmong students from across Wisconsin demonstrated in the city of Durand in Pepin County on Friday to raise awareness of what they call a racially motivated attack against an elderly Hmong hunter.

The students marched through the city to the district attorney’s office and the sheriff’s department, protesting the assault of 64-year-old Sao Lue Vang, who received life threatening injuries during an altercation with a white hunter last month.

Tou Ger Bennet Xiong spoke during the rally. He said they’re upset charges weren’t filed until a month after the assault. He also they’d like the trial moved.

“Given the size of Pepin County are you willing to recuse yourself from this? We don’t trust you. It’s taken this long, how can we trust you?” he said.

Kevin J. Elberg was charged this week with felony battery and false imprisonment. He told police he felt threatened because Vang’s gun was pointed in his direction. His first court appearance is Dec. 15.