Hundreds Rally Against Bullying In West Hills To Support Teen Critically Hurt After Being Sucker-Punched

WEST HILLS (CBSLA.com)   —  Hundreds of students and families took to the streets of West Hills Saturday for a march against bullying.

The students were marching and walking in support of Jordan Peisner, the 14-year-old who suffered critical injuries two weeks ago after being sucker-punched outside a Wendy's.

Jordan was hit, without provocation, by a 15-year-old he didn't know. He suffered a fractured skull, punctured eardrum and brain bleed. He spent a week in the hospital. Peisner has not returned to school and it's unclear when he will be able to go back.

The assault was captured on cellphone video and posted on social media.

CBS2's Laurie Perez spoke to Jordan's father and many of the students and walkers who said they were hoping to spread a message about love.

The smiling faces took steps in solidarity. Many carried anti-bullying signs.

"The neurologist said if he falls down again he might not ever get back up," said Ed Peisner, Jordan's dad.

Today's walk, he said, was his family and friends way of saying they won't let Jordan fall again, physically or emotionally.

With every step they took Saturday, they said they were moving him and other victims of bullying onto a community of caring.

The walk was organized by the Cool 2 Be Kind Club at Jordan's school, El Camino Real Charter.

"I hope this shows our community that we are not going to tolerate bullying," said Emily Park, a classmate.

Many of the students spoke about bullying, from experience.

"I've been bullied before and I understand the pain," said Leonard Dillman.

"As someone who has been bullied before I know how it feels to be bullied," said Darya Rod.

The event was aimed at those doing the hurting and bullying.

"You need to stop and you need to think before you act," said Zachary Lel.

The walk should also help those in pain, like Jordan.

"What I want to say to someone who's been bullied is, it gets better," said Rachel Spiegel-Brown.

That is a message that Jordan's dad says is helping his son and his family to heal

"Some lady in the crowd came up to me and said you know he's your son but now he's the community's son, which touched me deeply," said Ed.

Police have arrested the 15-year-old alleged assailant and a teen girl who was also there when Jordan was hit.