Hundreds Rally in Red Deer to Support Teenage Girl Recovering from Violent Assault
Red Deer, Alberta - Hundreds of people turned out for an anti-bullying rally on Friday to support 14-year-old Rylin Brinston, who is recovering from a brutal assault earlier this week.
Rylin suffered a concussion, internal bleeding, and possible permanent eye damage after the attack, which happened near her school on Monday afternoon. RCMP responded around 2:21 p.m. to a park in the Lancaster Meadows area, close to Hunting Hills High School.
A video of the assault, which shows Rylin pinned to the ground, kicked, punched, and having her head slammed into the grass for more than two minutes, was shared widely on social media. Bystanders are seen watching but not intervening.
Two other 14-year-olds have been arrested and charged with assault causing bodily harm. One faces an additional charge of assault by choking. The victim was taken to a hospital in non-life-threatening condition and will resume schooling online.
Rylin’s mother, Stephanie Rempel, thanked the community for its support. “I’m trying to stay strong for my daughter, but it’s mentally exhausting,” she said.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family during this time.