News Summary
Kevin Weaver, a bouncer from Baltimore, has turned himself in after a viral video showed him using a chokehold on a man outside a bar. The incident has led to aggravated assault charges against Weaver, who was not employed by the bar at the time. Witnesses described the disturbing scene as the victim tapped out for help during the altercation. The Baltimore Police Department is investigating the rising crime rate in entertainment districts, calling attention to safety and accountability for security personnel.
Baltimore – Kevin Weaver, a 41-year-old bouncer, has turned himself in to Baltimore police following a viral video that captured him putting a man in a chokehold outside a bar in Federal Hill. This incident took place on September 27 on East Cross Street, near the Cross Street Public House restaurant. As the video of the altercation soared to nearly 9.5 million views on X/Twitter, Baltimore police announced that Weaver is now facing aggravated assault charges.
The police were already aware of the video and had initiated an investigation to piece together the circumstances surrounding the event. Before Weaver’s surrender, officers had been working to identify him in the footage. Following the incident, a spokesperson for Cross Street Public House clarified that Weaver was not employed by them during the confrontation; security for the venue on that night was provided by Ace Event Services Group. In the wake of this incident, both the restaurant and Ace Event Services have since terminated their partnership.
At this moment, it is unclear whether Weaver was employed by Ace Event Services at the time of the incident. Reports have indicated that the confrontation commenced with a verbal exchange between Weaver and the victim, who has been identified as a student of Loyola University, Maryland. During the encounter, the victim made attempts to signal for relief by tapping Weaver’s arm multiple times, indicating that he was unable to breathe.
Witnesses to the altercation recounted a tense atmosphere, with a crowd observing in horror. Some onlookers reportedly shouted phrases such as “Tap tap tap, let him go,” and “Yo! Chill out” as they attempted to intervene. The chokehold was ultimately disrupted by another individual dressed in security uniform.
In August, the Baltimore Police Department announced the creation of a new crime-fighting unit dedicated to addressing issues in entertainment districts, such as Federal Hill. This decision comes in response to a notable increase in crime within the area. As of 2024, Federal Hill recorded 149 reported crimes, and the figure has risen significantly in 2025, with 244 reported crimes so far this year. Among these incidents, 66 were characterized as common assault offenses, while 64 cases pertained to vandalism.
The growing concern regarding safety in Federal Hill has prompted local leaders to advocate for increased accountability for individuals involved in such incidents. Councilman Yitzy Schleifer, for example, has called for responsibility concerning both bouncers captured in the video and has tagged relevant authorities in his social media posts to emphasize the need for action.
Prior to the current investigation, Baltimore police had not received any calls pertaining to the incident, despite being made aware of the existence of the viral video. The unfolding of events continues to raise questions about security practices and the responsibilities of those in protective roles within nightlife settings.
As more information becomes available, the public and local authorities remain vigilant in addressing the challenges posed by violence in entertainment districts. The incident involving Kevin Weaver serves as a sharp reminder of the ongoing need for robust security measures in bustling urban areas.
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HERE Resources
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Bouncer Charged with Aggravated Assault in Viral Incident
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Bouncer Under Investigation After Assault in Federal Hill
Investigation Launched After Chokehold Incident in Baltimore
Additional Resources
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: Baltimore
- New York Post
- Google Search: Baltimore Bouncer Chokehold Incident
- WMAR2 News
- Google Scholar: Baltimore entertainment district crime
- The Banner
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baltimore
- Fox 5 DC
- Google News: Baltimore Bouncer Chokehold Incident
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
