Elderly usher, 66, attacked by teen over concert seating at NBA YoungBoy’s Kansas show

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI: An elderly event worker, Thomas Schlange, 66, was violently attacked by a teenage concertgoer during an NBA YoungBoy concert at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City.

The altercation began when Schlange asked the teen to move to his assigned seat. Video footage of the ruthless attack, showing the teen throwing Schlange into a seat and punching him, went viral and sparked public outrage, with city officials and venue representatives condemning the violence. 

Violent teen attack at NBA YoungBoy show injures elderly usher

During an NBA YoungBoy concert at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City on Sunday night, September 21, an incident occurred involving a 66-year-old event staff member, Thomas Schlange. Schlange approached a teenage attendee who was not seated in his assigned spot and asked him to move. Shortly afterward, a physical altercation broke out between the two.

Fan-recorded video shows the teen confronting Schlange, causing the staff member to fall into a row of seats. Schlange, who has worked in event security for many years, said he recalls feeling overwhelmed and focused on ensuring the safety of nearby attendees. 

“I mean, it is serious; I went down and had blows to my head,” Schlange told Fox 4 News. “He was so enraged, so we were just, in essence, trying to protect the fans.”

Schlange attempted to stand but was further confronted before a bystander intervened to de-escalate the situation. He sustained injuries and was later hospitalized with non-life-threatening conditions. Authorities responded promptly, and the incident remains under investigation.

What happened to the teen and the elderly worker after ruthless attack?

The teen involved in the incident was taken into custody by police on the night of September 21 but was later released to his parents as the investigation continues.

The Kansas City Police Department confirmed that the individual is under the age of 16, and it remains unclear what charges, if any, he may face.

Thomas Schlange was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. According to his family, he already suffers from glaucoma, and the incident may have caused additional damage to one of his eyes. A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist with his medical expenses.

“We are devastated for the injustice of this person and other attendees that didn’t stop that guy at all,” said Schlange’s grandson, Herber Lopez.

Reflecting on the incident, Schlange, who has worked in event security for nearly 20 years, said he never expected to experience something so traumatic on the job.

“The message is: we, as young adults or people growing into adulthood, we need to learn how to control our anger,” he stated.

Schlange is expected to meet with police on September 26 as part of the ongoing investigation.

In response to the incident, T-Mobile Center spokesperson Shani Tate Ross described the attack as “horrific” and unacceptable. “This isolated incident does not reflect our venue, our city or the thousands of guests of all ages who enjoyed the show without incident,” Ross said. “Violence of any kind is unacceptable at T-Mobile Center.”

The ruthless attack in Kansas City sparks public outrage

The video of the incident, which has gone viral on social media, has heightened public concern about youth violence and safety at large events. In response, the office of Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas publicly condemned the incident and urged anyone with information about what occurred during the concert to come forward and assist police.

"Concerts, sporting events and community gatherings should be safe places of joy and connection, not fear or harm,” the mayor’s office told Fox 4 News. They also stated, "The venue will work with KCPD, our prosecutors and our employees to ensure the assailants are identified and charged for the criminal conduct that occurred Sunday evening."

Public reaction online was swift. One internet user shared, "Perhaps there needs to be a rule that all minors be accompanied by a parent or guardian 26 and over at these events. This is unacceptable." Another commenter wrote, "Investigate?!? What is there to investigate? It was an obvious HATE CRIME and an assault on our Elderly and a worker. Prison for a long time please."

One more commenter added, "Anger issues are so prevalent in them. They behave like children having tantrums & attacking. Worse, they think their behavior is fine, is justified." Another said, "The parents need to be charged. Kids today are all on drugs. This poor guy was just trying to work..hope he sues."

Another person commented, "The teen should be treated like an adult. Go to prison for 8-10 years due to the age of the victim. He will ban from going back to the stadium ever again. Victim should sue the parents."    

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.