2 UConn Students Arrested In Connection With Racially-Charged Video Shot At Campus Parking Lot

Two students were arrested from the University of Connecticut as they were part of a racially charged video that was shot in the campus parking lot. The racial video surfaced earlier this month was circulated on social media and caused turmoil among students. The video dated back to Oct. 11 when the event took place.

The accused, identified as Jarred Karal and Ryan Mucaj, both 21 years old, were arrested by the UConn police department and were charged with ridicule on account of creed, religion, color, denomination, nationality or race, said university spokeswoman Stephanie Reitz on Monday.

The police officers examined the video and confirmed that the students were seen yelling racial slurs outside the parking lot of Charter Oak Apartments on the campus. The police department added that the students were playing “a game in which they yelled vulgar words.” The police report also said there was a third student present when the incident took place who did not participate with the other two and hence was not booked. The students were detained and released after they provided a written promise to appear in the court on Nov. 30.

In the wake of the event, the president of UConn, Thomas Katsouleas, said, “It is supportive of our core values to pursue accountability, through due process, for an egregious assault on our community that has caused considerable harm.” He further added, “I’m grateful for the university’s collective effort in responding to this incident, especially the hard work of the UConn Police Department, which has been investigating the case since it was reported.”

The arrests were made after students protested and marched to the center of campus on Monday afternoon. The student groups were heard chanting “it’s more than just a word” and “our voices will be heard,” after which the community gathered to support each other against racial discrimination with speeches.