According to published reports by KXAN News in Austin, Texas and picked up by metal news sites such as Lambgoat, the Austin Police Department are seeking to identify the assailant seen crowd killing a fan in the audience via fan-filmed video at the “Heavy Hitters IV” festival on October 14th. Content surrounding the assault has ignited a debate online between fans and haters, with the Reddit thread r/Hardcore being locked do to violating the “Don’t be a dick.” (#9) rule. The individual in question was filmed crowd killing in the audience, is now being sought by police for the gutless attack. The victim in question, Christopher Silva, suffered a fractured orbital socket and a concussion from the attack. It was mentioned at the time of the attack in October, that that legal options would be sought against the assailant.
In a clip of the moment shared online, the metal fan, Chris (who goes by the name “Latte” on social media) is seen being hit in the face by another person who wasn’t moshing much at, but in fact just unloaded on Chris.
Violence has always been a part of Hardcore and Metal, but the shows should not be a place to to hurt someone blatantly.
When the news first emerged online, many hardcore fans thought the violent attack was funny including the band playing at the time of the incident themselves, who re-posted the video with the caption “Fromjoy is for the furries”.
However, following the incident, Latte has come forward to share the full extent of their injury – launching a GoFundMe page and detailing that the event has impacted their eyesight and general livelihood. The band have since removed their post.
@fromjoy_ didnt realize how bad i got hurt when they laughed at the video. It doesnt make the jokes ok, but once they found out they've done everything they can to help. I dont think its right to get them thrown off their tour, people make mistakes. Its a shitty situation but I- https://t.co/XOLZHnpJpE
— ☕ Latte ☕️ (@CaffeineCatto) October 18, 2023
“On Saturday, I was assaulted at a concert in Austin,” Latte wrote in a message on the page, which was started on Tuesday (October 17). “I was punched from behind in the head while watching the show. The person who hit me fractured the lower part of my orbital socket, concussed me and has jeopardized my job and vision.”
“I spent the first three days vomiting and sleeping for an hour at a time from the pain in my face. My face hurts all the time. … So far between clinic visits, a CT scan, and a consultation with a neural eye surgeon, I’ve spent just over $900,” the post continued.
“The neural surgeon wants to wait 1 week to allow my swelling to go down and see if steroids will help my eye start to recover on its own so we can avoid surgery. The estimated cost of the eye surgery is $2200 and risks permanent alterations to my vision.”
Latte added: “The person who hit me hasn’t been identified, and after looking into the legal actions/repercussions, the chances of him owning up to his actions are slim. We are still trying to find him.”
Crowdkilling is dumb and adds nothing to hardcore shows. If you agree, please donate to the gofundme here.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/cover-lattes-neural-medical-costs
https://www.kxan.com/news/crime/apd-searching-for-person-of-interest-in-central-austin-assault