College Graduation Erupts into Massive Brawl (Video)

What was supposed to be a proud night for graduates and families at Connecticut State Community College Gateway quickly spiraled into chaos when a violent fight exploded in the middle of the commencement ceremony — forcing police to rush in and temporarily halt the event.

According to authorities, officers were called to the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater in Bridgeport around 6:15 p.m. Thursday after reports of a large fight breaking out in the stands during the graduation ceremony.

Police said two unrelated families became involved in a heated physical altercation that escalated so badly officers had to physically separate people and work to calm the situation before it spread further through the crowd.

Three women were ultimately arrested following the disturbing scene:

• Tyvonna Bradley, 28, of New Haven, was charged with assault of a public safety officer and second-degree breach of peace.
• Erika Price, 35, of New York, was charged with 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 said Simmons did not have a mugshot available.

Witnesses at the graduation described the moment as shocking, with some parents saying panic and confusion spread through the packed amphitheater as the fight unfolded during what should have been a celebration for students and their families.

One parent who asked not to be identified blasted the venue’s response and claimed security failed to react fast enough when the violence broke out.

“I was really appalled and exasperated at the lack of response when a violent situation broke out,” the parent said. “It just seems unbelievable that an arena that size would not have a protocol and security with all eyes on the situation.”

The criticism quickly put the venue’s security measures under scrutiny.

Andy Nunn, general manager of the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater, defended the staffing levels at the event and said the ceremony was being monitored by multiple layers of security, including venue ushers, contracted security personnel, Connecticut State College Police, and Bridgeport officers stationed outside the amphitheater.

College officials later confirmed the graduation ceremony was briefly paused while officers removed those involved from the stands. Once the situation was under control, the event resumed.

In a statement, Connecticut State Community College said the school remains committed to keeping students and guests safe during campus events and works closely with local law enforcement and venue partners to prevent incidents like this.

But for many families in attendance, the night’s celebration had already been overshadowed by the chaotic scene that turned a graduation ceremony into a police incident.