Louisiana Student Charged for TikTok-Inspired Attack on Disabled Teacher

An 18-year-old Louisiana high school student has been charged after she was filmed in an attack on her disabled teacher that was inspired by a TikTok viral challenge.

As reported by outlets including WGNO, Larrianna Jameese Jackson was charged earlier this month with felony second-degree battery and cruelty to the infirmed after she was arrested October 6 for striking a wheelchair-bound 64-year-old teacher at Covington High School.

In shocking footage of the incident, filmed on a cell phone by a different student or students, the teacher sits at her desk and appears to be talking to Jackson. Jackson then punches the teacher, causing her to fall to the ground. As the teacher fell, Jackson continues to punch the teacher.

Per WVUE, the teacher was badly bruised, rushed to a hospital for treatment, and later released.

Though the Covington Police Department initially booked Jackson with battery of a school teacher, a crime punishable by 15 days to six months in jail, District Attorney Warren Montgomery’s office opted to charge Jackson with more serious felonies following a review of the case.

Investigators say Jackson wanted to take part in a viral “Slap a Teacher” challenge that has allegedly been circulating on platforms such as TikTok.

Jackson will be arraigned December 8 before 22nd Judicial District Court Judge Richard A. Swartz. She could face up to 10 years in prison.

Earlier this month, police announced the arrest of 18-year-old Trinity Gervais and an unidentified juvenile suspect, who turned themselves into police after they were identified by detectives. WGNO says the two teens “reportedly videoed the attack on the teacher.”

The juvenile suspect was released on a custodial agreement and Gervais was issued a misdemeanor summons. Both suspects were charged with violation of L.R.S. 14:107.4, Unlawful Posting of Criminal Activity for Notoriety and Publicity (Misdemeanor).

Per WVUE, a school spokesperson said all involved may face additional disciplinary actions from officials.

Following the incident, the Covington Police issued a statement warning that those who participate in the challenge will be prosecuted to the furthest extent of the law.

“The Covington Police Department would like to remind everyone that anyone who participates in such a challenge will be booked accordingly. In this post we also attached the video that has been circulating around the internet. This matter is still under investigation and more arrests for forthcoming,” they said.

St. Tammany Schools Superintendent Frank Jabbia also said in a message obtained by WVUE, “I was just devastated to know what our teachers go through on a day-to-day basis just to educate students. For this teacher to be having a conversation with a student and then to be assaulted in this manner was very disturbing.”

Earlier this month, Jabbia said the teacher “is hurting,” and does not know if the teacher will return to the classroom following the attack.

TikTok also released a statement condemning the attacks, and said that any “slap a teacher” content will be removed.