Ape Shit!

Man dresses like a gorilla to mock Black Lives Matter protesters.

A man was sent to the county lockup after his was intimidating #BlackLivesMatter protesters by handing out bananas and dressing like a gorilla.

Tristan Rettke, a soon-to-be former freshman from East Tennessee State University was busted for intimidation. Rettke was wearing a bag emblazoned with the losing side of the Civil War.

One of the protesters said, "I saw him come down the steps as a gorilla."

Jaylen Grimes said, "He pulled out his burlap sack and then he had the rope and whatnot and then he started offering us bananas. A lot of us didn't take it, but I just took as a sign of peace offering and just to show him that, just because he's being disrespectful toward me, I won't be disrespectful towards him."

East Tennessee State University has launched an internal student-conduct investigation on the man.

They released a statement.

Earlier today during a student-led Black Lives Matter event at Borchuck Plaza, our campus community was outraged by the behavior of one student who confronted the participants. The actions of this one individual go against the values of our university where people come first and all are treated with dignity and respect.

Chimp got chumped.

We are exceptionally proud of the students who were peacefully participating in the event and the manner in which they exercised restraint, thoughtfulness and strength in the face of inappropriate and offensive behavior.

THe ETSU Department of Public Safety staff responded to the incident. At this time, criminal charges are pending before the local district attorney and an internal student-conduct investigation has begun.

Our university values diversity, inclusivity and respect for others. In keeping with those values, there will be an opportunity for community dialogue inside the D.P. Culp Auditorium. University leadership will be present.

The man is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. He could face expulsion and a ban from the campus. He could face a hefty fine and community services.