Color Me Human condemns the violent, racially motivated assault that occurred last week in Grass Valley. Targeting a person because of the color of their skin is an act of hate that harms not only the victim, but the entire community.

This incident is deeply disturbing — and it is not happening in isolation. Across the United States, we are witnessing an escalation in race-based violence, harassment, and intimidation. What occurred in Grass Valley reflects this broader national trend, where hateful rhetoric and bias are increasingly turning into acts of violence. Naming this context is critical: this is not only a “Grass Valley problem,” but part of a larger pattern that communities nationwide are being forced to confront.

Color Me Human’s priority is to support those impacted and help steady a community that is understandably shaken. We are offering ourselves as a resource for community members who feel unsafe or need connection and clarity in the aftermath of this attack. We are also staying in communication with local partners and organizations responding to ensure that efforts are coordinated and community-centered.

We will not minimize or normalize this violence. Racism and hate-driven attacks violate the dignity and safety of our community, and we stand firmly against that. At the same time, we know this community is strong. Grass Valley is defined not by acts of hate, but by how we choose to respond — with truth, solidarity, and a commitment to the safety and belonging of every person who lives here.

Color Me Human will continue to monitor the situation, share accurate information, and uplift community-driven responses that support healing and resilience.

Editor’s note: Grass Valley Police released the following statement on their social media page regarding the incident. A request for additional comment has not received a response at publication time.

On Wednesday evening, December 3, 2025, Grass Valley Police Officers responded to an assault on West McKnight Way which was purported to be racially motivated involving an adult victim. The victim in this case was working in a commercial parking lot when a vehicle approached him, unprompted. The occupants exited their vehicle and, after hurling racial slurs, physically attacked him. He was later transported to the Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital for treatment. Facts and evidence, including statements from the victim and an eyewitness who rushed to the victim’s aid, have led to the arrest of two white male adults and a white male juvenile. A fourth white male adult suspect has been identified, and detectives are actively working to track and arrest that individual.

The two adults in-custody are Chasen Ryder McIntire (18yo) of Grass Valley, and Alexander Logan Schmidt (19yo), of Grass Valley. They are held on $250,000 bail. The identity of juvenile arrested is withheld due to his status as a minor.

McIntire, Schmidt, and the male juvenile have been charged for:

•Assault with Force Likely to Cause Great Bodily Injury, with a special allegation of Causing Great Bodily Injury – PC 245(a)(4), PC 12022.7

•Criminal Conspiracy- 182 PC

•Committing Violence Against Another Based on a Protected Characteristic- 422.75 PC

McIntire has an additional charge of brandishing – 417(a)PC- for allegedly drawing an edged weapon and displaying it during this incident. McIntire has a history of violence in our community. He was last arrested on October 31st, 2025, by the Grass Valley Police Department on felony charges due to allegations he struck another victim on the head with a metal container causing significant injury. In that case, McIntire was arraigned before the Nevada County Superior Court on November 3rd at which time the District Attorney objected to his release on public safety grounds. Over the DA’s objection, the Court released McIntire on ‘Pre-Trial Release’ and ordered the Probation Department to supervise him.

This is Alexander Schmidt’s first arrest by the Grass Valley Police Department.

The Grass Valley Police Department has been in close contact with the Nevada County District Attorney’s Office regarding the case. District Attorney Jesse Wilson is quoted: “An assault on any member of our community is unacceptable. But when violence is fueled by hatred—when individuals are targeted because of the color of their skin—it strikes at something far deeper than the injuries suffered in a single incident. It threatens the fundamental principles of respect and equality that our community stands upon.

The evidence in this case shows that the defendants did not simply attack a man; they targeted him after hurling racial slurs, acting on prejudice rather than any provocation or dispute. That kind of conduct is abhorrent, it is unlawful, and it will be met with the full force of the law.”

The Grass Valley Police Department shares the outrage of the District Attorney’s Office and our community.

An update to this release is expected upon the apprehension of the last remaining suspect in this crime.