Who is Chad Michael Watts? 45-Year-Old MAGA That Got Beaten Up By a Bunch of Kids For Making Racist Remarks

A 45-year-old man was arrested in Central Texas after video evidence showed him physically assaulting student protesters during a walkout opposing immigration enforcement.

Chad Michael Watts, a resident of Kyle, Texas, was taken into custody on 3 February 2026 and charged with two counts of assault causing bodily injury following a confrontation with minors during a student-led protest near Buda schools. The arrest followed an investigation by the Buda Police Department, which identified Watts as the adult aggressor after reviewing video footage and witness statements.

The incident occurred during a broader wave of student walkouts across Texas opposing US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity, placing the altercation at the intersection of youth protest, political polarisation and criminal liability.

Altercation During Student Walkout

According to official police records, the confrontation occurred shortly before 15:00 CST on 2 Feb 2026 along RM 967 near FM 1626, adjacent to campuses within Hays Consolidated Independent School District (Hays CISD). Students from local high schools had exited class to participate in an off-campus protest.

Police state that a verbal exchange began between Watts, who was seated in a parked pickup truck, and a female juvenile participating in the demonstration.

The argument escalated rapidly into physical contact. Video footage shows Watts exiting his vehicle and engaging physically with the student, who falls to the ground.

Other students immediately intervened. The footage documents multiple teenagers restraining Watts and forcing him away from the student before he retreats to his vehicle amid shouting and thrown objects. Law enforcement confirmed that the video timeline aligns with witness statements gathered at the scene.

Following the incident, Buda police located Watts and conducted a formal interview. Investigators determined that Watts initiated physical contact, a finding that formed the basis for an arrest warrant. He was charged under Texas Penal Code §22.01 with two Class A misdemeanour counts of assault causing bodily injury.

Watts was booked into the Hays County Jail and remains subject to further court proceedings. Under Texas law, a Class A misdemeanour carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a fine of up to £3,650 ($5,000) per count.

Authorities have confirmed that no students were arrested in connection with the incident. The investigation remains open, with police continuing to review additional footage and witness testimony.

What Is Known About Chad Michael Watts

Police records identify the suspect as Chad Michael Watts, 45, residing in Kyle, Texas. Beyond that, public information is limited. Law enforcement has not released details regarding his employment or personal background.

Hays CISD issued a statement confirming that Watts is not employed by the district and has no official affiliation with its schools. District officials emphasised that the protest occurred off campus and outside school supervision.

Social media users have circulated images and claims asserting that Watts was wearing MAGA-associated political attire and making racist remarks prior to the physical confrontation.

While some videos appear to show political clothing, police have not confirmed political motivation or racist speech in charging documents, and no such allegations are included in the arrest affidavit currently on record.

Video Evidence and Public Reaction

Multiple recordings of the incident circulated online within hours, triggering national attention. Law enforcement has confirmed that the primary videos reviewed during the investigation are authentic and were instrumental in identifying Watts as the aggressor.

Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra issued a public statement condemning violence against minors and stressing that adults bear a heightened responsibility to disengage during student demonstrations.

Meanwhile, Hays CISD warned that students who left campus without authorisation may face disciplinary consequences under district policy, though the district clarified that disciplinary matters are separate from the criminal investigation.

The Hays County District Attorney's Office is reviewing the case file, including video evidence and medical documentation related to the alleged injuries. Prosecutors have not ruled out additional charges pending further review.

Police have requested that witnesses and individuals in possession of additional recordings submit evidence directly to investigators or Crime Stoppers. No court date has yet been publicly scheduled.

For now, officials have offered no public update on the Portland case. What remains is a cautionary lesson about digital megaphones: when fear goes viral, the consequences can land first on families—and children—long before facts catch up.