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By: Reporter Staff

The City of North Tonawanda is still in awe after a brutal assault captured on video this week.

The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, July 1st, 2020, took place at North Tonawanda High School and involved three teenage girls allegedly assaulting a 14-year-old girl. The video, which has spread across social media, was captured on Snapchat by another teenage girl.

Parents of the victim released a statement today thanking the community for all of the support for their daughter.

“This is the most painful thing I’ve ever had to write. On July 1, 2020, our daughter, Amelia, was the victim of an assault in North Tonawanda. She was attacked and humiliated in front of a dozen other kids by three girls…dragged by her hair, punched and kicked repeatedly in the head as well as having urine poured on her. This whole time, she never once tried to fight…she continually tried to walk away. As many stood and watched, only two courageous, outstanding young men stepped in to help, Anthony and Simon. These boys did not know our daughter, they just knew she was in trouble, and they took action. I can’t think of where we might be today had they not stopped this heinous assault on our sweet child. This being said, we cannot find enough words to praise and thank not only Anthony and Simon, but their parents, for raising young men with such courage, love and just basic human decency…Thank you.

The way our community has rallied around Amelia…the kind words, the gifts, the donations, and all the assurances that she is not alone and is very much loved, has been overwhelming. All the beautiful words of comfort and encouragement have brought a smile to her face. She has loved reading the messages of love and kindness….so again, we thank you all.

Most of all, it is our fondest wish this horrible and senseless act can turn into a positive for others, not only in our community, but for all these kids who suffer from bullying and attacks every day. Take the example of these young men, and rise above the bullies… show love and kindness, not hate.
We thank each and every one of our family and friends, for their amazing support and love. We thank our community and all the others who have rallied up to take a stand. Most of all, we thank Anthony and Simon. Without their help, I shudder to think of where we could be today. Amelia is here. Amelia is strong. Amelia is still smiling.

Thank you.”

– Dawn and Joseph DellaValle