Chilling Incident at Assumption University: Students Lure Soldier Using TikTok Trend

In a shocking incident that has raised eyebrows across the nation, five students from Assumption University in Massachusetts faced serious legal repercussions after allegedly luring a U.S. Army soldier onto their campus through a dating app. This unsettling case, which draws parallels to the viral “To Catch a Predator” trend popularized on social media, has brought to light the darker side of online interactions and the potential consequences of misguided social media trends.

On January 16, 2025, the students appeared in Worcester District Court, where they were charged with conspiracy and kidnapping. The accused include Easton Randall (19), Kevin Carroll (18), Isabella Trudeau (18), Joaquin Smith (18), and Kelsy Brainard (also 18), whose Tinder account played a pivotal role in the incident. A juvenile student was also implicated in the case, underlining the severity of the allegations against the group.

The Incident Unfolds

The soldier, a 22-year-old who had recently returned from deployment in the Middle East, was in Worcester for a family funeral when he agreed to meet Brainard, who he had connected with on Tinder. According to police reports, the soldier sought solace and companionship following the burial service, stating that he “just wanted to be around people that were happy.” However, what was intended to be a casual meeting quickly escalated into a dangerous situation.

Upon meeting Brainard, the soldier was approached by a large group of students who had been waiting for him. Within minutes, he was surrounded and branded a “pedophile,” accused falsely of seeking inappropriate relationships. Surveillance footage captured the harrowing moment when the group encircled him, effectively trapping him and preventing his escape.

Legal Proceedings and Charges

As the situation unfolded, the victim attempted to break free but was physically assaulted in the process. According to court documents, a juvenile allegedly struck him in the back of the head, while Carroll slammed the soldier’s head in a car door. The group was seen laughing and celebrating the incident shortly after it occurred, which raises troubling questions about their intentions and the social dynamics at play.

In court, automatic not-guilty pleas were entered for the accused students, who are scheduled for another court appearance on March 28. Their defense may hinge on the argument that the incident was a misguided attempt at humor that spiraled out of control, but the implications of their actions could lead to severe legal consequences.

The Role of Social Media Trends

This incident highlights a disturbing trend in which social media platforms like TikTok influence real-life behaviors, particularly among younger demographics. The “To Catch a Predator” concept, originally a television series designed to expose sexual predators, has been co-opted by some users on TikTok, leading to dangerous reenactments that may not fully grasp the gravity of the original context.

According to Randall, one of the accused, the idea to lure the soldier was born from a group chat that humorously referenced the TikTok trend. “They all made suggestions and agreed what was texted to [the victim],” he told police. This statement illustrates how a seemingly innocuous online interaction can morph into a real-world crime when misjudged social norms and peer pressure collide.

The Victim’s Perspective

The soldier’s experience was not only traumatic but also deeply unsettling, leaving him feeling vulnerable and targeted. A relative of the victim expressed concern for his well-being, noting that he was deployed shortly after the incident, potentially to escape the emotional turmoil that followed. This case serves as a stark reminder of the impact that such events can have on individuals, particularly those who are already facing personal hardships.

Campus Safety and Community Responses

Following the incident, Assumption University faces scrutiny regarding its campus safety protocols and the environment it fosters among its students. Critics argue that universities must take a more proactive stance in educating students about the potential dangers of social media interactions and the serious consequences of engaging in harmful pranks or trends.

In an age where social media influences behavior and perceptions, institutions of higher learning are tasked with not only providing academic education but also promoting a safe and respectful campus culture. This incident underscores the need for comprehensive educational programs that address the complexities of social media interactions and the potential for real-life repercussions.

Conclusion

The incident involving the Assumption University students and the U.S. Army soldier serves as a cautionary tale about the intersection of social media trends and real-life actions. As society continues to grapple with the implications of digital interactions, it is crucial for individuals, especially young adults, to understand the potential consequences of their actions. The legal ramifications faced by these students will likely serve as a precedent, highlighting the importance of accountability in an increasingly connected world. As discussions around social media’s influence continue, it is imperative that educational institutions, families, and communities work together to create a more informed and responsible generation.