Penn State Altoona student charged with assault following viral tweets
Matthew Chandlee charged after incident outside frat house
The social media universe went crazy two weeks ago, when John Mateer a student visiting Penn State tweeted that he was attacked on campus for being gay. Today in a statement made by State College Police Chief Thomas King, the investigation has resulted in charges against 18-year-old Penn State Altoona student Matthew Chandlee.
The initial information from the night was very spotty, but the police report shines a new light on what happened the night of October 4 around 1 am.
While the initial tweets claimed a fraternity brother assaulted him police later refuted this.
According to the police report, Chandlee was at the Sigma Nu Fraternity on North Burrowes Road. He was being asked to leave the party and was escorted outside by one of the brothers. An argument ensued causing a fraternity brother to yell a homophobic slur towards the defendant.
John Mateer, the victim, was present during the altercation and was offended by the use of the slur and asked the defendant and the fraternity brothers to stop using the term.
At this point, both the victim and the defendant were told by the brothers to leave the property. Mateer began to walk away towards campus and then realized that Matthew was following him. Mateer asked the defendant why Chandlee was following him, in which he responded with “You’re gay, I hate gays.”
This is when the events that led to the pictures on social media took place. The defendant punched Mateer in the face causing him to fall to the ground where he was hit again. The victim then called a friend and he was taken back to Sigma Nu for first aid.
Matthew Chandlee has been charged with Simple Assault (Misdemeanor) and Harassment (Summary).
The State College Police worked in conjunction with the University Police in the investigation.