Memphis, Tenn. – Chaos erupted outside the Renasant Convention Center on Saturday afternoon after a high school graduation ceremony. What was meant to be a celebration of Douglass High School seniors quickly turned into a scene of violence.
Cell phone video captures the moment when a physical altercation broke out just outside the venue. Memphis Police say the incident began after a man allegedly spat in the face of a 17-year-old girl. In response, her 21-year-old brother, Jeremiah Thomas, intervened, striking the man in the face.
“I think it’s just really sad and unfortunate. We should be celebrating, not dealing with this,” said a senior from Douglass High School.
As tensions escalated, a loaded Glock handgun fell to the ground near the crowd. Police confirmed that the gun was seen falling from Thomas’ waistband by an MSCS officer who immediately retrieved it.
Both men involved in the altercation were taken into custody. However, due to Thomas’ criminal background—he’s a convicted felon with a reckless aggravated assault charge from the previous year—he now faces additional charges. These include carrying a firearm on school property and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
“I hate it for the children who were here to celebrate and for others who had to witness this ignorance,” said Jessica Miller, a concerned onlooker.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident. FOX13 reached out to the Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) and the Renasant Convention Center for comment but has yet to receive a response.
