RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR)–The fundraiser to help 66-year-old security guard Jack Newsom with medical expenses ends on Dec. 23, and has not yet met its goal to raise $10,000.
Newsom was attacked and badly beaten by a male, who remains at large, around 11 p.m., Saturday, November 23. The man stole the guard’s wallet and cash, and left Newsom back and blue with a swollen neck and face.
Details of the incident are also difficult for Newsom to recall. Sadly he says, the beating almost cost him his life, and all the thugs got away with was $60 bucks.
He was attacked outside the installation known as the RVA Street Art Festival, at the old GRTC bus depot. Newsom managed an unarmed detail of the 5.5 acre facility. It had closed up for the night and he was headed home when he was attacked from behind.
Surveillance footage taken outside the RVA Street Art Festival location, as the security guard was on his way home.
Since the attack, organizers have announced they’re closing up the festival, at least for now.
The fundraiser started by Ed Trask and Jon Baliles has collected $7,255 so far, from 211 supporters.
Messages from community supporters are written on the “wall” of the fundraiser page.
“Merry Christmas to Mr. Newsome. So sorry for this terrible act of violence,” wrote Shirley Edwards.
“Best wishes for a speedy recovery. You didn’t deserve this. As a Richmond artist I thank you for protecting the gorgeous mural area and hope you are well very soon,” wrote Anonymous.
“I hope you are on your way to a speedy recovery! I can’t believe how heartless people can be in this world,” Christ Wirt wrote.
If you wish to donate to the fundraiser you can find the link here.
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