Winnipeggers angry about attack on Rinelle Harper

The vicious attack of a young woman in Winnipeg is leading to outrage on social media.

The story of 16-year-old Rinelle Harper attracted national attentionafter she was found unconscious near the Assiniboine River early Saturday morning.

• Attacked Winnipeg teen Rinelle Harper called a hero and fighter
• Teen Rinelle Harper 'left for dead' after being attacked twice

Police saidshe had been assaulted and ended up in the ice-coldriver. She managed to pull herself out of the waterbefore the attackers returned and assaulted her for a second time. Police said she was beaten with a weapon and "left for dead."

On Wednesday, police announced 20-year-old Justin Hudsonand a 17-year-old malehad been arrested. They have been charged withattempted murder.

After the arrests, angry and threatening messages began tofloodsocial media.

"...hope he gethis ass kick[ed] in jail. If I see him around downtown I will punch him in the face," read one message.

Another called one ofthe accused a "disgusting waste of skin."

MikaylaSinclair, 16, spoke with CBC News onThursday. Standing on Selkirk Avenue, the teen said she was shocked to hear about the brutal attack on theteenager.

"There's still that feeling inside where it's like, you can't trust nobody anymore," said Sinclair.

AmandaLathlinsometimes worries about herown safety. She said she was thankful police have made an arrest.

"I feel bad for her and her family, I hope she will make it through," saidLathlin.

Harper is from Garden Hill First Nation in northern Manitoba, but has been living in Winnipeg while attending Southeast Collegiate.

Her parents have been by her side in hospital since the attack. Harperwas moved fromintensive careto the children's ward on Wednesday.

Police said after the attack on Harper, the two maleswent on to assaulta 23-year-old woman in a similar way at about 2:30 a.m. Saturday, in the area of Portage Avenue and Sherbrook Street.