A middle school teacher in Georgia was arrested last week after witnesses told local authorities that he threatened to behead a 13-year-old Muslim student who said she was offended by an Israeli flag in the classroom.
Benjamin Reese, a seventh grade social studies teacher at Warner Robins Middle School in Houston County, was arrested Dec. 8 after he was overheard shouting at a student.
Witnesses said they heard him say, “You motherf‑‑‑ing piece of shit. I’ll kick your ass. I should cut your motherf‑‑‑ing head off,” local CBS affiliate WMAZ reported.
According to the incident report filed with the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, the student wanted to talk to Reese about finding his flag offensive. Reese apparently asked her if it had anything to do with Judaism. He told her he was Jewish and had family living in Israel.
The student said she found the flag offensive due to “Israelis killing Palestinians,” the station reported. The teacher told the student she was being antisemitic, and witnesses said they heard him say he would “slit her goddamn throat and drag [her] ass outside and cut her head off.”
Witnesses included teachers, staff members and students who were in the area. The on-site deputy reviewed security footage and found Reese yelling after the student and returning to his classroom, WMAZ reported.
His bond was set at $2,500 for a terroristic threat charge and $5,000 for a charge of cruelty to children.
The school district issued a statement saying it is investigating and will respond appropriately, but cannot discuss specific personnel matters. Reese has not been on the school’s campus since Dec. 7, the statement said.
“All employees of the Houston County School District are required to follow the Code of Ethics for Educators,” the statement said. “Safety and the well-bring of our students and staff is our number one priority.”
The Hill has reached out to the Houston County Sheriff for more information.