A 12-year-old girl has been charged in connection with a reported attack on Muslim students in Waterbury, Connecticut, city officials said.
The parents of two 13-year-old girls say the teens were attacked at Wallace Middle School earlier this month.
The 7th-grade twins were injured after being beaten by fellow students and having their hijabs ripped off earlier this month, according to the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR).
Officers are investigating claims the girls might have been targeted because of their religion.
We've got the news you need to know to start your day. Sign up for the First & 4Most morning newsletter — delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up here.
Police previously said a 12-year-old started the fight and she was referred to a youth diversionary program.
In a statement released Friday, Waterbury officials said another 12-year-old girl is now facing charges for intimidation based on bigotry and bias.
U.S. & World
The day's top national and international news.
"Investigators determined that the altercation was motivated by religion and/or ethnicity, meeting the legal definition of a hate crime," officials said in a statement.
"The students who instigated the incident will be properly disciplined by the school district and face appropriate consequences in the judicial system," Mayor Paul Pernerewski said.
Officials said the City of Waterbury Department of Education has verified that bullying happened, taken disciplinary action and implemented enhanced school safety measures in response to the incident.
"While this was not part of a widespread problem, this is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to ensure our students are safe and respectful of one another," Interim Superintendent Dr. Darren Schwartz said.
The investigation is ongoing.
