Pastor joins James Simmons, at center of viral Pike’s Pub beating to address violence, steps forward

Pastor joins man at center of viral Pike’s Pub beating to address violence, steps forward. The victim of a battery at Pike’s Pub spoke out for the first time Thursday, less than a week after the attack.

James Simmons said he gave his statement on the attack to police before speaking to reporters. He said he was appreciative of those who have stood behind him in the aftermath of the incident and that he is working with police to have those involved in the attack charged.

“I just want to make sure this don’t happen to nobody else,” Simmons said.

A video of the attack has been widely shared on social media, showing several white men wearing clothing affiliated with the Outlaw Motorcycle Club beating Simmons, who is Black, and using racial slurs. Several people in the community have described the incident as a hate crime.

Simmons was joined by Pastor Carlton Lynch, a Fort Wayne native, during the press conference. The pastor said Simmons was never a threat to anyone at the bar.

“When you hear about Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Breonna Taylor and the list goes on and on, none of those people are there to tell their story,” Lynch said.

“But the beautiful thing about what transpired on Friday night – there’s only one thing that came out good – that James Simmons is on this ground to testify himself… he is alive,” Lynch said. “In other words, it could’ve went another way.”

Lynch said an initiative called “Stand with James” is in the works to support him and push for Pike’s Pub to shut down for good.

He announced he will be filing charges, expressed thanks to those who have supported him, and called for Pike’s Bar to be closed permanently due to its refusal to take responsibility and its alleged ties to the Outlaws MC. Most importantly, Simmons declared: he doesn’t want anyone else to go through what he endured.

Join Black Dragon, Lavish T. Williams, and Logic as we break down this developing story, explore what it means for the biker world, and discuss how we can protect our communities and push for justice.

Watch entire press conference on:

Black Dragon Biker TV: /blackdragonbikertv

Lavish T. Williams: /@lavishtwilliams

Keep It Logical: /keepitlogical