News Summary
A bouncer at a Federal Hill bar is under investigation following a viral video showing a chokehold applied during a dispute. The incident has raised safety concerns and accountability demands from local leaders, while authorities continue to investigate the event despite reporting no formal complaints.
Baltimore is currently the focus of an investigation following a viral video depicting a bouncer outside a Federal Hill bar applying a chokehold on a man during a dispute. The incident unfolded along East Cross Street, alarming members of the local community and prompting calls for accountability from city officials.
Police authorities in Baltimore have acknowledged awareness of the video, but have reported that no formal calls or complaints related to the incident have been received. Despite this, Baltimore detectives are actively investigating the situation to ascertain the facts surrounding the altercation.
Baltimore City Councilman Yitzy Schleifer has urged for accountability concerning the actions of bouncers and security personnel, emphasizing the need for these individuals to be held to a standard of conduct. The video, which has circulated widely on social media, shows the man appearing to lose consciousness while in a chokehold, as another individual can be seen ramming his head against a parked car window. Bystanders voiced their concern during the incident, with shouts indicating that the man was unable to breathe. The footage concludes with the man regaining consciousness, visibly confused about the events that transpired.
The bar involved, known as Public House, has acknowledged the incident via a social media statement. This event raises significant questions not only about the responsibilities of security personnel but also the safety measures at local establishments in Federal Hill.
The Federal Hill neighborhood has had its share of security concerns, which prompted the establishment of the Federal Hill Neighborhood Patrol in 2020. This initiative was born from rising crime statistics that included shootings and carjackings in the area. The neighborhood patrol has collaborated with the MATCOM Office of Public Safety, reportedly leading to a 41% reduction in some crime rates. The patrol is certified as special police in Maryland, giving them the authority to detain suspects within their jurisdiction. To bolster security efforts, staffing levels for the patrol have increased, with six officers deployed on weekend nights to support local law enforcement.
In recent months, publications have reported a series of incidents in the Federal Hill area, including break-ins, vandalism, a shooting that injured a 39-year-old woman, and a carjacking involving a woman and her child. The community remains on high alert as these security challenges continue to raise concerns among residents.
Officials have appealed to the public for assistance related to the chokehold incident. Individuals with information are encouraged to contact Baltimore detectives at 410-396-2499 or reach out to Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7-Lockup.
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Additional Resources
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: Baltimore
- WMAR 2 News
- Google Search: Baltimore bouncer chokehold
- Baltimore Sun
- Google Scholar: Baltimore security patrols
- Fox Baltimore
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baltimore crime rate
- WBAL
- Google News: Federal Hill Baltimore

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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.