A video appearing to show a 14-year-old girl in North Tonawanda being physically assaulted by other teens has gone viral on social media. The community is now rallying behind her in hopes of putting an end to bullying.

What You Need To Know


  • Video goes viral appearing to show teen in North Tonawanda being physically assaulted by a group of girls
  • Community holds anti-bullying rally Monday in support of the teen
  • Investigation is ongoing into the incident

"It's unfortunate that it has to come to this but we're hoping that this makes a change," said Candace Fulford, the girl's aunt.

Last week, the video went viral — and sparked outrage.

"It brought a lot of anger out in me that these kids could have such a good time doing something so horrifying to someone," said Michael Fulford, the girl's uncle.

Candace Fulford said, "This will last with her for a lifetime, this is going to traumatize her forever."

Two boys on the North Tonawanda High School wrestling team intervened to help the girl out. The incident left her with a concussion and several bruises.

Her family and the community vowed not to let what happened define the city. 

Dozens marched around City Hall Monday calling for no tolerance for bullying and justice for the girl. 

"Me and several other people in the community think that bullying isn't taken seriously, it needs to be taken seriously; if those two boys wouldn't have stepped up and helped my niece who knows what would have happened," said Karen Porter, the girl's aunt.

Simon Griskonis IV, one of those boys, showed up to the rally to show his support for the young girl. He says stepping in was the human thing to do and he didn't think twice about doing it.

"I want her to know that she's not alone at all and that everyone in NT stands by her side. I hope she recovers quickly," he said.

The family wants those appearing in the video to be held accountable for their actions. The North Tonawanda Police Department says an investigation is ongoing and the middle school aged offenders will be charged and referred to family court.

"These girls, there has to be an example made of them," said Richard Conklin, the girl's cousin.

"This is probably the start of a very long battle and we won't stop until it ends," said Mitchell Berg, the girl's friend.

There is a GoFundMe set up to help the teen and her family.

There is another rally planned for Wednesday at 6 p.m. outside North Tonawanda City Hall.