An unfortunate and violent incident unfolded during an NBA YoungBoy concert at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, where 66-year-old Thomas Schlange, a concert worker, was attacked by a teenage attendee. Schlange was merely performing his duties when he requested the teen to move to his assigned seat. In response, the teenager violently threw Schlange to the ground, attacking him with a series of punches in full view of the audience.
Schlange, who has worked concert events for nearly two decades, expressed shock over the brutal assault, a situation he had never anticipated in his workplace. He sustained non-life-threatening injuries and required hospitalization, with concerns about existing glaucoma and potential further damage to his eye. “We, as young adults or people growing into adulthood, need to learn how to control our anger,” Schlange reflected after the attack.
The assailant, identified by police as a minor under 16, was arrested at the scene but was subsequently released to his parents while the investigation continues. The Kansas City Police Department has not yet determined the charges the teenager might face.
The distressing episode has sparked public concern over youth violence and security measures at large-scale events. A video of the assault has gained traction on social media, emphasizing the need for safer environments at concerts and public gatherings. Shani Tate Ross, a spokesperson for T-Mobile Center, condemned the violence as “horrific” and reiterated that such behavior does not represent the venue or its patrons. Mayor Quinton Lucas’s office also decried the attack, emphasizing that events should be safe and welcoming spaces.
In response to this incident, the United Center in Chicago canceled an upcoming NBA YoungBoy concert without providing a specific reason, although no other events at the venue have been affected. This cancellation comes as part of a broader reflection on security practices, ensuring safety for all attendees.
NBA YoungBoy’s “MASA Tour” marks his first tour in five years. Despite this unfortunate incident, it serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and effective security measures to protect both concertgoers and workers alike.