Oldest U.S. Park Ranger Attacked and Robbed in Her Home

By Carlo Monzon
Betty Reid Soskin
A photo of Park Ranger Betty Reid Soskin, at the Rosie the Riveter National Historic Park in Richmond, California.  Wikimedia Commons/Jim Heaphy.

Betty Reid Soiskin, the oldest park ranger in the U.S., suffered a serious beating earlier this week when an unknown man entered her home in Richmond, California. But aside from viciously attacking the 94-year-old woman, the intruder also stole some of her belongings, including a special commemorative coin given to her by U.S. President Barrack Obama.

According to Soiskin, the incident happened at around midnight on Monday. Around that time, she woke up to find a man standing by her bed holding a flashlight. She tried to grab her cellphone to alert authorities but the man immediately took the mobile device away from her and dragged her through the hallway outside her room.

The intruder then began to beat her on the side of her face using his fist which left her badly bruised. Thankfully, Soiskin was able to get away from him by locking herself inside the bathroom. She then armed herself with a plugged iron in case the man tries to enter.

I fully expected he was going to kill me," she told KTVU. "He doubled up his fist and hit me a couple of times on the sides of my face with all his might.

With Soiskin inside the bathroom, the man began ransacking her house by taking her various possessions such as her laptop, jewelry, cellphone and her iPad. He also stole various commemorative coins including the one given to her by Obama in December for being the oldest active park ranger in the U.S.

Upon hearing about the incident, U.S. Interior Secretary Sall Jewell said that Obama will send another commemorative coin to replace the one lost by Soiskin. This was confirmed by Tom Leatherman, the superintendent of the Riveter World War II Home Front National Historical Park, where Soiskin works as a ranger and tour guide.

Leatherman also noted that Soiskin is currently doing but she is still deeply affected about what happened to her.

"She's got some bruises," he said according to the SF Gate. "She really doesn't want to see people because she doesn't really want people to see her like that."

Officers of the Richmond Police Department have no leads yet regarding the exact identity of the suspect but they described him as a white male that's about 5'8" with a slim build and possibly in his early to mid-20s.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories