Grandfather beaten at Kansas City rap concert by 14-year-old who was asked to move to correct seat

A 66-year-old Kansas City man was assaulted inside the T-Mobile Center during an NBA YoungBoy concert after he asked a juvenile attendee to move to the correct seat, authorities said. Thomas Schlange sustained a broken nose and facial injuries in the attack, which was captured on video as the youth rushed him and threw a series of punches. The incident prompted a chaotic scene as other concertgoers shouted and residents nearby attempted to intervene.

Video of the incident shows Schlange, a longtime venue employee, appearing distressed as blood streams from his mouth while he tries to put distance between himself and the assailant. The youth follows with a flurry of punches, and Schlange falls to the floor, losing his glasses in the process. The footage, recorded by bystander Robert McDaniel, prompted online outrage and renewed calls for better crowd-management at events. McDaniel described the moment as alarming and said several attendees tried to help the man before security and police arrived. "He beat him up because his ticket was in another section," McDaniel said, adding that he believes the incident reflects a broader issue with how some young people handle emotions at crowded events. "We have an epidemic of these boys not being taught how to process through these emotions."

Schlange’s family has since set up a GoFundMe page to help cover medical costs. The page notes that Schlange had preexisting glaucoma, raising concerns about potential vision loss in addition to the acute injuries from the fight. Photos shared on the fundraising site show Schlange with a swollen nose and a bruised upper lip, and relatives said he may require a nose job to repair damage. The family described him as a hard-working grandfather who was simply doing his job when the confrontation occurred.

According to the fundraiser and family members, Schlange was trying to de-escalate the situation when he was targeted over where the teenager should be seated. The video shows Schlange attempting to step back, but the youth closes in and delivers a sustained sequence of blows before the crowd reacts and others pull him away. The footage has drawn condemnation from viewers who say it highlights a broader concern about safety and discipline at large public events, particularly involving younger attendees.

Kansas City police said they determined an assault had occurred and detained a male juvenile suspect in connection with the incident. Both Schlange and another employee who was also involved were treated at an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, police said. The investigation remains active as detectives continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses. A police spokesperson added that the case would be referred to prosecutors for potential charges against the juvenile, and, because of the suspect’s age, would be handled by the Jackson County Family Court.

Arena officials described the episode as horrific and said Schlange was working as part of the venue’s guest services team at the time. They emphasized that the incident does not reflect the broader experience at the T-Mobile Center or the city’s reputation, and noted that thousands of other attendees enjoyed the show without incident. The NBA YoungBoy camp, which is touring under the MASA moniker, has faced scrutiny over past legal issues and crowd-control challenges. The rapper’s MASA tour had scheduled a Chicago stop for Tuesday, but the United Center announced the show’s cancellation with refunds issued, without detailing a reason. It is not clear whether Sunday night’s events influenced that decision.

Officials from the arena and representatives for NBA YoungBoy did not immediately provide additional comment on potential charges or the status of the ongoing investigation. The Daily Mail has contacted the Jackson County Family Court for comment on how juvenile cases like this are typically handled, given the suspect’s age and the nature of the alleged conduct. Authorities stressed that the investigation remains active and that further charges could be pursued if warranted by the evidence collected, with prosecutors weighing the appropriate legal path for the juvenile involved.

The incident underscores ongoing concerns about violence at high-profile events and the responsibility of venues, organizers, and fans to maintain safety in crowded spaces. As investigations continue, family members of Schlange and local supporters have called for accountability and expanded support for bystander intervention during disturbances at concerts and other large gatherings.