Hate crime hoax： Black University of Iowa student claimed he was beaten by White supremacists

2016 - An alleged assault on a University of Iowa student last month has been ruled not a hate crime, as originally reported.
Marcus Owens told police in April he was beat up by three white males who used racial slurs as they assaulted him.

Surveillance videos from downtown Iowa City bars prove it was a false claim.

Investigators said in a press conference Tuesday Owens instigated three altercations that night and sustained serious injuries in the second one, after racial slurs were used.

Members of the investigation team say the surveillance video was vital to the investigation, as it is made clear Owens was not a victim of assault.

The University of Iowa released a statement shortly after the conference explaining how the situation will be handled.

"Our students, faculty and staff deserve to feel safe and supported, and that requires relationships built of trust and respect," the statement read in part. "We will be working with student leaders... this summer to prioritize actions we can take to improve our campus climate for everyone."

Investigators say alcohol was involved in the altercations.

The surveillance footage will be made available to the public on Iowa City's web page Tuesday.