Father Faces Charges After Encouraging Violence on School Bus

A disturbing video has surfaced showing a father boarding his six-year-old daughter’s school bus and instructing her to hit another girl, while expressing a desire to see the other child cry.

Maurice Fox is now facing felony charges related to the incident that took place in Ferguson, Missouri, on October 9. He claimed his actions were meant to “empower” his daughter against bullying. Reports indicate he was seen telling his daughter to “do what I say” as he boarded the bus.

The confrontation involved a seven-year-old girl, whom Fox addressed directly, saying, “Don’t touch my daughter again. Can you hear me, little girl?” Upon his command, the daughter began hitting the other child. When she paused, Fox urged her with a firm, “Not again!”

He further instructed, “I want you to cry. Again,” prompting his daughter to continue the attack. Eventually, he told her, “Let’s go,” and they left the scene as other students watched in disbelief.

Following the video’s circulation online, Fox attempted to justify his actions, saying it was a last resort after school authorities failed to address the bullying his daughter faced. “This was not an easy decision,” he remarked, insisting that he acted out of a need to protect his daughter and give her strength in an uncaring environment.

St. Louis County Prosecutor Melissa Price-Smith emphasized that, regardless of circumstances, Fox’s behavior couldn’t be justified. “What kind of world would we live in if we taught our children to resolve conflicts with violence?” she questioned. “We will not tolerate that.”

She expressed concern over the young age of the children involved, stating, “What struck me was how small these kids were. This should never have happened.”

Fox has been charged with a felony count of harassment, along with multiple misdemeanor charges, including assault and trespassing. A warrant for his arrest has been issued by the Ferguson police.