A high school graduation in Virginia turned into a chaotic scene after a man allegedly rushed the stage and attacked a student as he was receiving his diploma.
The shocking incident happened Wednesday during John Marshall High School’s commencement ceremony at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Siegel Center in Richmond. Families had packed the venue to celebrate the graduating class, but the ceremony briefly spiraled into a fight in front of stunned students, parents and school officials.
Authorities said 20-year-old Evan J. Williams Jr. was arrested Thursday and charged with disorderly conduct and damage to private property.
A 12-second clip of the brawl later spread on Facebook, showing several people throwing punches near the front of the stage while graduates stood nearby in their caps and gowns. At least four university police officers rushed in to break up the fight as chaos unfolded.
Some people appeared to join the scuffle, while others seemed to be trying to pull people apart.
WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW:
Police said additional fights broke out outside the Siegel Center as officers worked to clear the venue and keep the situation from escalating.
No injuries were reported, and officials said no weapons were involved.
VCU Police Maj. Nicole Dailey said more than 50 officers from VCU Police and the Richmond Police Department responded to the scene to restore order, according to WTVR.
Three other people were also detained.
Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards said officers were sent to nearby VCU parking decks to make sure graduates and their families could leave safely.
“We don’t want to see the retaliation continue,” Edwards said.
Police are now reviewing security footage from inside and outside the venue to determine what led up to the fight. Officials said Williams and others could face additional charges as the investigation continues.
Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras condemned the disruption and warned people to leave personal conflicts away from graduation ceremonies.
“Whatever acrimony, whatever concerns you may have with anybody in the community, leave that at home, or don’t come to graduation,” Kamras said during a press conference.
Kamras thanked police for their quick response and said enhanced security measures were being put in place for upcoming graduations at Richmond High School for the Arts and the Richmond Success Academy.
He also urged the public not to let the ugly scene overshadow the students’ achievement.
John Marshall High School’s graduating class reached a 100% graduation rate this year, a major milestone that school leaders said should remain the focus.
What was supposed to be a proud day for students and families was briefly hijacked by violence. But the graduates still walked away with something no brawl could take from them: their diplomas.
