Kevin Weaver, 41, has been charged with first-degree aggravated assault after turning himself in to Baltimore police on Wednesday, following the circulation of a viral video showing him violently choking a Loyola University Maryland student outside a popular Federal Hill restaurant.
The assault took place on September 27 outside the Cross Street Public House, where Weaver—believed to be working as security that night—was captured on video grabbing the victim in a chokehold. The footage, shared initially by Barstool Loyola, shows the student struggling and tapping Weaver’s arm to signal distress. Despite the victim’s pleas, Weaver maintained the chokehold for roughly 30 seconds before slamming the student’s head into a parked car window, shattering the glass.
Bystanders shouted “Tap, tap, tap, let him go” and “Yo! Chill out” as the attack unfolded. Another man in a security uniform eventually intervened and pulled the victim away.
Police became aware of the incident after the video spread online, amassing more than 9.6 million views on X (formerly Twitter). No 911 calls were made at the time of the assault. Weaver surrendered to authorities on October 1 and now faces felony assault charges.
Cross Street Public House quickly issued a statement denying that Weaver was an employee and clarifying that Ace Event Services Group provided security for the night. The restaurant also announced it would sever ties with the company.
“The individual in question is NOT an employee of Public House, and we will no longer be working with the security company that was on duty this weekend that employed the individual,” the statement read. “Their actions do not reflect our values, and said individual has been banned, effective immediately.”
Local leaders and security professionals have condemned the attack. Baltimore City Councilman Isaac “Yitzy” Schleifer wrote on social media that “Both Bouncers/Security guards need to be held accountable,” tagging the Baltimore Police Department and State’s Attorney’s Office.
Pete Brazil, a security worker at another Federal Hill bar, also criticized Weaver’s conduct. “For 30 seconds I do not condone that,” he said. “He tapped so he shoulda let him go.”
The case comes amid heightened concerns over violence in Federal Hill, one of Baltimore’s busiest nightlife districts. According to police data, the neighborhood recorded 149 crimes in 2024, but has already seen 244 incidents in 2025—including 66 assaults and 64 acts of vandalism. In August, Baltimore Police launched a specialized unit to address crime in entertainment districts like Federal Hill.
Weaver remains in custody as the case moves forward. The incident has sparked renewed debate about the role and accountability of private security in Baltimore’s nightlife scene—especially when excessive force is caught on camera.
