In a shocking incident at Hopkins High School in Minnetonka, Minnesota, a 17-year-old transgender student named Cobalt Sovereign was brutally beaten, resulting in a broken jaw and the need for reconstructive surgery. The student's father, Mark Walztoni, is now demanding that those responsible for the attack face criminal charges.

According to Walztoni, the incident took place last Thursday when Sovereign was verbally harassed in the school bathroom by a fellow student using transphobic slurs. As Sovereign attempted to leave, she was confronted by the student and two others who followed her down the hallway. When Sovereign asked them to stop, she was unexpectedly punched in the mouth, causing serious injuries.

Expressing his concern for future incidents, Walztoni emphasized the importance of holding the perpetrators accountable for their actions, stating, "There has to be repercussions for their actions. And if they are not charged for some reason, which is our fear, then that is just going to further escalate their behavior... There needs to be some kind of punishment."

Walztoni also expressed disappointment with the school's response, claiming that the incident was not treated as an emergency and that he was not notified promptly. However, the Minnetonka Police Department has initiated an investigation into the attack, classifying it as a possible hate crime.

Hopkins High School, acknowledging the incident, has stated that they are conducting their own investigation into the act of violence. They have ensured their commitment to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for all students, including those who identify as LGBTQ+.

Minnetonka Police Chief Scott Boerboom revealed that there is video evidence of the assault, and his department has filed a subpoena to obtain it from the school, in accordance with their policy. The video reportedly shows one boy physically attacking Sovereign while two others witnessed the incident.

This violent attack comes at a time when there has been a rise in anti-LGBTQ legislation and an increase in threats and violence against LGBTQ students. Advocates, such as Melanie Willingham-Jaggers, executive director of GLSEN, have condemned the assault and called for immediate action to ensure the safety and dignity of all students.

Minnesota state Rep. Leigh Finke, the first openly transgender lawmaker in the state's legislature, criticized both the school and the police for their responses to the incident. Finke emphasized that accountability and responsibility are necessary to prevent further violence against transgender youth.

As investigations continue, the urgency to create a supportive environment for all students, devoid of fear and discrimination, remains a pressing concern. It is crucial for schools and law enforcement to take swift and appropriate action to address incidents of violence and to protect the well-being of all students.