An Indiana University sophomore who screamed racially-tinged language and attacked a Muslim woman says he’s sorry and not a monster, reports WTHR.

Police paint a different picture, however, and says Triceten Bickford,19, is a suspect in a hate crime.

“He started to yell ‘White power,’ couple times he yelled ‘White power, White power,’ very loud,” said the victim who asked not to be identified. “I found him at my neck, like pushing me down, squeezing my neck, and putting my head to the table.”

Bickford says he doesn’t know what came over him. He had been heavily drinking and forgot to take his anti-anxiety medication.

“They’re making me out to be a monster. I’m just a normal person,” he said. “I’m so sorry to that woman. I have no idea who she is, but words can’t explain how much that– I’ve never hurt someone like that before.”

The victim did not require medical attention.

Bickford faces six charges including felonies for strangulation and battery on a police officer.

13 WTHR Indianapolis