The video has been circulated widely on social media and shows the protester holding a sign as she stands in front of the Jeep in the middle of the road near Mooney Boulevard and Caldwell around 3 p.m. The SUV comes to a stop, then moves forward, hitting the woman and lifting her off the road.
Another protester a few steps ahead also appears to have been hit, but the video does not show the impact.
The second protester, Karina Ramirez, says she was left with leg bruises. She says the encounter began when the Jeep pulled up to protesters, started heckling them, and the crowd turned on them.
She saw the first woman get hit by the Jeep before she says she was also struck in the leg.
INTENSE ENCOUNTER: Karina says she was hit by a Jeep during a George Floyd demonstration in Visalia. According to her, the Jeep pulled up to protestors, started heckling them and the crowd turned on them. The car then took off hitting Karina, leaving her with leg bruises. @ABC30 pic.twitter.com/xX9hCLs0uu
— Gilbert Magallon (@GilbertABC30) May 31, 2020
Hours later, Fresno State tweeted about the incident, saying that two people involved may be enrolled students. The tweet also stated that pursuant to campus protocol, the matter has been referred to the Dean of Students.
"We strongly condemn the violence that took place in Visalia. It is inconsistent with the University's core values based on the foundation of respect for all," Fresno State said in another tweet.
We have been made aware of an incident that took place in Visalia today (5/30/20) that involved two people who may be enrolled students at Fresno State. As such, pursuant to campus protocol, the matter has been referred to the Dean of Students.
— Fresno State (@Fresno_State) May 31, 2020
If the people are confirmed as enrolled students, a thorough student-conduct review will be conducted, while adhering to FERPA student-privacy laws.
— Fresno State (@Fresno_State) May 31, 2020
We strongly condemn the violence that took place in Visalia. It is inconsistent with the University’s core values based on the foundation of respect for all.
— Fresno State (@Fresno_State) May 31, 2020
The Visalia Police Department also addressed the incident and comments that followed on social media.
We aware of the incident that occurred involving a blue Jeep and protesters earlier today.
— Visalia Police Dept. (@Visaliapd) May 31, 2020
The two adult females both received minor injuries. The incident is being investigated by our Traffic Unit.
None of the occupants in the Jeep are children of a Visalia officer. Thank you. pic.twitter.com/97NoKslnEN
The department tweeted: "The two adult females who were involved both received minor injuries. A petition is not necessary and the incident is being investigated by the Visalia Police Department Traffic Unit. We are aware of information indicating that one of the occupants is the son of a Visalia police officer. This is incorrect information. None of the occupants are children of a Visalia police officer."
On Monday, the Tulare County District Attorney released the following statement about the incident.
TCDA Statement on #Visalia Protest Incident: pic.twitter.com/AdVvfKb7Ih
— Tulare County DA (@TulareDA) June 1, 2020
Visalia Mayor Bob Link also released a statement, saying in part:
That incident will be dealt with in the same fair, just, and unbiased way that any incident in Visalia would be addressed. The Police Department is actively investigating the matter and will forward it to the District Attorney's office to determine next steps. Though it was significant, this incident should not be the defining moment of the last week.
