Riverboat co-captain pleads not guilty to assault charge

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — A Black riverboat co-captain who was attacked in an Alabama dock brawl pleaded not guilty Tuesday to a misdemeanor assault charge filed by one of the white boaters in the melee.

The co-captain entered the plea in Montgomery municipal court, according to local news outlets. His trial is scheduled for January.

The August riverfront melee in Montgomery drew national attention after bystanders filmed white boaters hitting a Black riverboat co-captain and others rushing to his defense. One of the white men accused of assaulting the co-captain during the brawl filed a complaint last month saying the co-captain hit him first during the chaotic melee, according to court records.

Montgomery Mayor Steven L. Reed and police Chief Darryl J. Albert have said the police investigation considers the co-captain to be a victim in the case.

Montgomery police said the brawl began when the white boaters refused to move their pontoon boat so the city-owned Harriott II riverboat could dock in its designated space. The boat’s co-captain said he was attacked after moving the pontoon boat a few feet to make way for the riverboat. Video of the fight was shared widely online, sparking countless memes and parodies.

A total of five people were previously charged in the brawl. Two white boaters previously pleaded guilty to charges of misdemeanor assault or harassment. Three other people, including a Black man who was filmed swinging a folding chair, have upcoming court dates.