A Texas man is facing assault charges after police say he became the aggressor during a student-led walkout at a high school near Austin.
According to police and local officials, 45-year-old Chad Michael Watts of Kyle, Texas, was arrested and charged with two counts of assault causing bodily injury following an altercation outside Moe and Gene Johnson High School in Buda, Texas, on Tuesday (February 3), where students were participating in a peaceful protest related to immigration enforcement, per reporting from WFAA.
The demonstration, organized by students, was taking place on a public sidewalk near campus when Watts — identified by authorities as a supporter of President Donald Trump — became involved in a verbal dispute with a female student. Investigators say the argument escalated after Watts made physical contact with the teen, prompting nearby students to intervene.
Video of the incident, which has circulated widely on social media, shows Watts pulling a student’s hair and grappling with her on the ground as multiple students attempt to restrain him. Police later determined Watts was the “primary aggressor” in the altercation and confirmed that additional charges could be considered as the investigation continues.
After breaking free from the group, Watts returned to his pickup truck as students shouted and threw water bottles in his direction. Authorities said he left the scene but was later located and taken into custody.
Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra addressed the incident in a statement, emphasizing that violence against minors — particularly during lawful demonstrations — would not be tolerated. “Violence or intimidation directed at a minor has no place in a constitutional republic,” Becerra said, adding that the community has a responsibility to protect young people exercising their First Amendment rights.
Buda Mayor Lee Urbanovsky echoed those concerns, calling the incident “deeply troubling” and noting that it involved minors participating in a sensitive but lawful protest, according to a statement released by the city.
The Hays County District Attorney’s Office has been notified of the case, and authorities say the investigation remains ongoing.
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