Weekly demonstrations have been held at the Binkley Baptist Church off Willow Drive in Chapel Hill over the last month. Advertised as socially distanced and peaceful, community members hold signs denouncing racism and pushing for change, as they aim to catch motorists’ attention who are driving on Willow and Fordham Boulevard.
This past Friday, however, an act of violence interrupted the protest.
According to a report from ABC11, a Chapel Hill resident at a nearby complex walked over to the demonstration and punched a protester. The Chapel Hill Police Department charged Bart Moody, 53, with one count of assault on a female on Friday, July 3.
ABC11 reports the victim was a 19 year-old Black woman. An eyewitness told the outlet Moody walked over from the Willow Terrace Condominiums, which the police department has listed as his address. After shouting insults at the demonstrators, Moody, who is white, punched the woman in the face. The Chapel Hill Police report on Moody’s charge confirms the attack, saying Moody struck with a closed fist on her left cheek.
Moody is slated for a court appearance on July 21 regarding the assault charge.
Another regularly scheduled demonstration is planned for this Friday at Binkley Baptist Church, according to the report.
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