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A college graduation ceremony in Connecticut descended into chaos after a wild brawl allegedly involving two families erupted in the stands, forcing police officers to intervene and temporarily pause the commencement celebration.
Three people were arrested following the melee at Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater during the graduation ceremony for Connecticut State Community College Gateway, according to Bridgeport police.
Officers responded to reports of a large fight at the venue around 6.15pm on Thursday.
Authorities said the altercation involved two unrelated families and required officers to physically separate individuals and de-escalate the situation.
Police arrested Tyvonna Bradley, 28, of New Haven, and Erika Price, 35, of New York, on charges of assault of a public safety officer and second-degree breach of peace.
Takira Simmons, 34, of New York, was charged with second-degree breach of peace.
Authorities did not immediately say what sparked the fight.
Video shared on Facebook by Simone Hazard and posted to her Instagram and TikTok account @blowingsage captured the chaotic scene as attendees screamed and chairs were allegedly thrown through the crowd.
In the footage, one man could be heard yelling: ‘Aw man, no. Put that chair down!’
Chaos erupted inside Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater Thursday night as a massive brawl allegedly involving two families broke out during Gateway Community College’s graduation ceremony
Video shared by attendee Simone Hazard captured the chaotic scene unfolding during the graduation celebration
Victor Ferreira, a Bridgeport resident who witnessed the melee, told News12: ‘Everybody was acting like animals. Throwing chairs and throwing stuff at each other.’
Another witness, Lambert Shell, compared the scene to professional wrestling.
‘I used to watch a lot of WWE as a kid,’ Shell told News12. ‘This video is insane.’
School officials said the commencement ceremony was briefly paused while officers removed those involved before the event resumed.
‘A physical altercation involving spectators occurred in the stands during Connecticut State Community College Gateway’s commencement ceremony,’ the school said in a statement provided to WTNH.
‘CT State prioritizes the safety of its students and their guests and is committed to providing a secure environment at all college events.’
One parent who attended the ceremony criticized the venue’s security response, claiming staff failed to react quickly enough as the violence escalated.
Gateway Community College’s commencement ceremony was briefly paused after police responded to reports of a massive fight involving two families inside the packed arena
Witnesses said chairs were allegedly thrown and spectators screamed as police worked to break up the melee during the commencement celebration
‘I was really appalled and exasperated at the lack of response when a violent situation broke out,’ the unidentified parent told WTNH. ‘It just seems unbelievable that an arena that size would not have a protocol and security with all eyes on the situation.’
Andy Nunn, general manager of the amphitheater, defended the venue’s security measures in a statement to WTNH.
‘The event was staffed by venue ushers and security, CT State College Police, and contracted security, as well as the Bridgeport Police, who were positioned outside the amphitheater,’ Nunn said.
Another attendee, Angie Pichardo of Bridgeport, said she was disappointed the violence overshadowed what was supposed to be a celebration for graduates.
‘It’s a graduation,’ Pichardo told News12. ‘It’s supposed to be a celebration, and people should be celebrating the kids.’
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