‘Targeted act of hate’: Police indicate motive behind sword attack at Manitoba school
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BRANDON – Police say a gruesome sword attack on a high school student in Manitoba was part of the 16-year-old suspect’s plan to target people of colour and immigrants.
Officers were called to a Brandon high school last week about a person armed with a sword who had stabbed another student.
Chinonso Onuke, 15, suffered serious stab wounds to the chest, forearms, hands and thigh.
MATT GOERZEN / THE BRANDON SUN
Premier Wab Kinew presents École Secondaire Neelin High School Grade 10 student Chinonso Onuke, right, a Premier’s Challenge Coin, as his twin brother Chiemeka Onuke watches Thursday.
He was taken to hospital and later upgraded to stable condition.
Police Chief Tyler Bates says the investigation has been complex, but investigators have uncovered a significant amount of evidence that indicates the suspect’s political and racial ideologies were motivating factors in the stabbing.
The accused is facing charges of attempted murder, uttering threats and disguise with intent.
Bates said in a statement released on Friday that the investigators preliminary findings reinforce the gravity and intent behind the attack.
“The offender planned the attack and the perpetration of violence against targets chosen specifically based on race – targeting people of colour and immigrants,” he said.
“It was a deliberate, senseless, targeted act of hate. This is disturbing and no one should ever fear for their safety because of the colour of their skin.”
TIM SMITH / THE BRANDON SUN
Chinonso Onuke, centre, is helped by close friend Leland Henderson and his twin brother Chiemeka during his first visit back to the school.
Police have said the assault was stopped before more people could be hurt.
At the time, the school had gone into lockdown. Police arrived in about three minutes and used a stun gun to arrest the suspect.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 20, 2025.
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Updated on Friday, June 20, 2025 12:36 PM CDT: Adds tile photo