– School superintendent addresses father’s confrontation
– Father confronts school superintendent over daughter’s handshake incident.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
MADISON, Wis. (WMTV/Gray News) – Superintendent Dr. Rainey Briggs of a school in Wisconsin is breaking his silence for the first time since a parent pushed him off the graduation stage almost two weeks ago.
In an interview with WMTV this week, Briggs opened up about the incident that has gained national attention, with many speculating that the incident was racially motivated.
Briggs revealed that a lot has transpired since the incident, and he felt ready to address the situation publicly.
Reflecting on the moment he was pushed off the stage, Briggs recalled, “As I was standing there, the student was coming through, and I saw a figure in a white shirt approaching. Initially, I thought it was a photographer coming to take a picture. However, he swiftly descended upon me.”
According to Briggs, it was the parent, later identified as Matthew Eddy, who made alarming remarks after pushing him, indicating that something was amiss.
Briggs recounted, “He said, ‘You’re not going to touch my daughter.’ In that moment, I felt unsafe, realising that the safety of others in the vicinity was also compromised.”
Following the incident, law enforcement intervened to de-escalate the situation, and Eddy was detained while Briggs resumed presenting diplomas on stage.
Briggs emphasized the importance of continuing the ceremony for the 250 graduating students, expressing empathy for Eddy’s daughter and the other graduates whose significant milestone was momentarily disrupted.
Eddy later explained to officers that his actions were motivated by past grievances with Briggs and a desire to prevent him from congratulating his child. The police report indicated that the push was premeditated.
Despite Eddy’s justifications, Briggs maintained that he had no prior interactions with the parent and was solely focused on ensuring his safety and that of others during the incident.
In the aftermath of the graduation debacle, speculations arose regarding the potential racial undertones of the incident. Briggs acknowledged that this remains a lingering question that only Eddy can address.
Briggs posed several queries to Eddy, questioning the motive behind the disruption of the graduation ceremony and seeking a resolution to restore the moment for all those affected, including the community.
As of now, Eddy has not responded to requests for comments, and a restraining order has been granted against him by a judge to ensure the safety of Briggs and his family.
Eddy is facing a misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct and is scheduled to appear in court in August for his actions.
.
– School superintendent speaks out after father pushes him over shaking daughter’s hand
– School superintendent speaks out after father pushes him over shaking daughter’s hand.
