Assumption University students facing charges of luring soldier, 22, to beating using Tinder

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A group of Assumption University students are facing charges for kidnapping and beating soldier after luring him to campus using Tinder in a TikTok trend-inspired attack, emulating the TV series To Catch a Predator. open image in gallery A university spokesperson has decried the alleged ‘abhorent’ attack Prior to the man’s arrival, student Easton Randall texted a group chat saying “come down here we’re catching a predator,” according to authorities. Brainard, Randall, Kevin Carroll, Joaquin Smith and Isabella Trudeau were all charged with kidnapping and conspiracy on December 4 and accused of orchestrating the “deliberately staged event,” police said. The victim later told police he had been in Worcester for his grandmother’s funeral and began talking to Brainard on Tinder as he “just wanted to be around people that were happy”.