Preliminary reports circulating social media claim Jesse Ousley (Jesse L. Martin), 37, was allegedly attacked on July 8 by two suspects over his MAGA hat and died later as a result of the injuries. Details of the incident remain fuzzy. One user on social media–whose connectionn to the victim is unclear–stated: “[Ousley] was visiting a friend at the hospital and waiting for a ride home. He started walking to a store for a pack of cigarettes and was confronted…and attacked over his MAGA hat. He was beaten so badly that he couldn’t find his phone.”
Unverifed reports also claim a woman who was present allowed Ousley to call his cousin for a ride to the hospital following the attack and that she was the girlfriend of one of the attackers. Another report claims he was sitting in a car when the attack happened.
Initial reports on social media state Ousley was allegedly attacked by “two black males over his MAGA hat” but this is unconfirmed. The attack allegedly happened in Fall River, MA where Ousley owned a resale shop with his longtime boyfriend. Ousley is described as being a resident of nearby East Providence and Westport, MA. He reportedly died early Wednesday, July 8 at Rhode Island Hospital.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 14th at Charles Coelho Funeral Home in Central Falls, RI. An obituary for Ousley states, “Jesse L. Ousley, 37 years old, of East Providence and Westport, MA, died early last Wednesday at Rhode Island Hospital after being stricken at the home of his cousin in East Providence, after being assaulted earlier in Fall River, MA. Jesse was born in Providence, the beloved son of James W. and Michele (Campagnone) Ousley. Jesse was the longtime companion of Justin Janelle. He and Justin operated a resale shop in Fall River and were well known at area flea markets.”
The obituary goes on to say, “He had a heart of gold, and would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He thought of everyone else before himself He enjoyed Karaoke, and loved to sing and dance at the drop of a hat.”
Friends on social media claim Ousley was a latino, but it is unclear if he identified this way. Members of the local community and Facebook friends continue to post and share their thoughts and prayers with the grieving family.
So far, all mainstream and LGBT media outlets have been silent on Ousley’s attack and untimely death. CensoredTV News has reached out to the Fall River Police Department as well as members of the family and Ousley’s companion and will update this report as more information becomes available.
According to Facebook posts, Ousley was a proud and outspoken supporter of President Trump and shared many patriot memes and images. His obituary features an image of Ousley wearing a hat that reads, “TRUMP, NO BULLSHIT.”
A recent post by Jesse Martin one day before his death shows an American flag and patriotic artwork on the beach.
It appears no arrests have been made in the alleged assault against Ousley or if a police report was filed. The Fall River Police Department has not commented yet on an investigation or motivation for the alleged attack.
UPDATE:
Immediately after CensoredTV News reached out to the Fall River Police Department, Police Chief Jeff Cardoza sent a statement to another news outlet, the local Fall River Reporter which, according to a search, had not previously reported on the death. Cardoza stated, “In speaking with the detectives involved in the investigation, there was never any mention or evidence of any kind that this involved a MAGA hat. Not sure where that information came from.”
Ousley, however, according to social media posts appeared to never leave the house without one of his many baseball hats in support of Presdient Donald Trump. Chief Cardoza failed to mention whether Ousley was wearing a hat at the time of the assault, which, according to multiple reports, happened hours before and at a different location than his death.
Gregg Miliote of the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office stated, “the matter is an unattended death with an undetermined cause at this time. The investigation is ongoing and we are awaiting more medical forensic medical testing.”