Graduation is one of the best parts of a student's life. It's years and years of work and effort all wrapped up neatly into one wonderful day. But tensions can sometimes run high—everyone wants things to go well.
However, things like this rarely happen. As reported by the New York Post, a high school graduation in Virginia devolved into chaos after a spectator walked up to the stage and started attacking a student who was walking to receive his diploma.
A viral video was posted
The event was taking place at the Virginia Commonwealth University's Siegel Center on Wednesday, May 27.
20-year-old Evan J. Williams Jr. was booked on Thursday, May 28, following the incident. He was charged with disorderly conduct as well as damage to private property. Three other people were also detained; however, they have not yet been identified.
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Over 50 Police Officers Were Called Out to the Graduation Brawl
According to WTVR 6 Richmond, there were over 50 officers called out to address the brawl. Major Nicole Dailey of the VCU Police confirmed the statistic. She added that the ceremony was able to continue as normal after everyone was detained.
Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards, whose officers were also called out, said that they were the ones focused on preventing access to dangerous weapons. He said that they're planning on increasing security for other local graduations.
He explained, "We're going to have a zero tolerance. Don't bring your guns to these events, don't take them in your cars, and if you do, we'll be there to address it."
The chair of the local school board, Shavona Fernandez, added that the timing of the brawl couldn't be worse. That's because the day was also meant to honor the memory of a John Marshall student who died earlier that year, Zion Terry.
"Today, or any day of graduation, is not the day to come in with any other spirit besides joy and excitement. I want us to not define RPS or John Marshall by this incident, but be reminded that this is a day of celebration."
