Fort Worth ISD and the Fort Worth Police Department are investigating after a teacher was assaulted Friday afternoon.
According to a letter posted to Facebook, Southwest High School principal John Engel said one of the school’s band directors was attacked by a group of young people near campus after school hours. The suspects are not believed to be students at the school, Engel said.
The teacher was receiving medical treatment and support from the school, Engel said, but there has not been an update on his condition since Friday.
On Monday, counselors and support staff will be available for students.
“I want to express how deeply sorry I am that this happened. The safety and well-being of our students and staff guide every decision we make, and we remain committed to maintaining a secure and supportive environment for everyone. Thank you for your trust and support as we come together as a school community during this difficult time,” Engel said.
Southwest students react to attack on band director
Southwest High School seniors like Bryan Flores, Angelica Ramirez and Ramon Samano said they were surprised to hear their school’s head band director was attacked.
“It’s kind of the first time of us hearing about a teacher [being attacked],” said Ramirez.
While Fort Worth police have not confirmed the identity of the victim, head band director Jeff DeMaadg confirmed to CBS News Texas that he was the teacher assaulted on Friday. DeMaadg declined an interview on Monday but said he’s healing and doesn’t want to give any more attention to the quote “bad actors” who did this to him.
“It’s crazy, I didn’t know much about it,” said Flores. “I saw on social media, it’s just like Mr. DeMaadg, he just got assaulted, like jumped, it’s crazy.”
Police said they were called out to the school after learning that a group of individuals was climbing onto a fixed tower near the campus. They said that’s when DeMaagd approached the four suspects and asked them to come down. Police said during this confrontation, DeMaagd’s phone was knocked out of his hand, and one of the suspects walked away with it.
Police said DeMaagd then followed the suspects for a couple of blocks and that’s when the attack happened.
“It was really unnecessary,” said Ramirez.
“What was the point? What was the outcome of this?” said Flores and Samano. “I understand some people don’t like teachers, but to the point of harming them?”
Fort Worth high school and director says attack is “not a reflection of the community”
In a statement, DeMaagd told CBS News Texas, in part, “This is a terrible incident, but is not a reflection of the wonderful community that is Southwest High School. I am healing and excited to rejoin the students, parents, teachers, and admin. I will turn my attention and energy toward all the students making positive choices for themselves and their community.”
Police said the robbery unit is handling the investigation. Fort Worth police said it is still searching for the four suspects involved, but could not confirm if they are students.
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