Bouncer Incident Caught on Video in Baltimore

A video circulating from Baltimore reveals a tense confrontation between security guards and a man outside a bar. The footage shows a large security guard placing the man in a chokehold and then smashing his head through a nearby car window.

The clip, 51 seconds long, had garnered nearly 10 million views by Thursday afternoon.

In the video, the bouncer confronts the smaller man, telling him to leave. As the smaller man attempts to communicate, the bouncer moves closer, ultimately grabbing him by the neck and applying a chokehold. After some time, the target appears to signal submission by tapping his arm, a common gesture in martial arts, but it goes unrecognized.

A person off-camera can be heard pleading with the bouncer, saying, “Let him go!” But instead, the guard escalates the situation by forcefully throwing the man’s head against the vehicle window. Onlookers are heard shouting at the guard to stop.

After what seemed like an extended chokehold, the pair of bouncers finally restrains the man against the car before releasing him into the street.

The incident occurred on East Cross Street near a restaurant in the Federal Hill area. A representative from the restaurant clarified that the security guard involved was not their employee; rather, security was provided by ACE Event Services Group. It was mentioned that the restaurant and the security firm have since parted ways.

Baltimore Councilman Isaac Itzi Schleifer insisted that security personnel must be held accountable for their actions. The police department initially acknowledged awareness of the video, later stating they were working to identify the guards depicted in it.

By Wednesday, authorities announced that 41-year-old Kevin Weaver would face charges of first-degree aggravated assault connected to the incident.

In the wake of the video, residents expressed concerns over the incident. One commented, “Just because he’s not 21 doesn’t mean you can treat him that way.” Another remarked on the need for security to manage public encounters without resorting to violence.

At present, the identity of the man in the chokehold has not been confirmed by local authorities.

Mark Crosby, a resident who witnessed the scene, stated it was frightening to see the larger guard utilizing such excessive force, suggesting a single, controlled action would have sufficed.