HEMPSTEAD, NY – A graduation ceremony came to a violent halt when a student and his father were attacked by a group of masked men outside Hofstra University on Wednesday, causing shock amidst celebrations for the graduating class of Academy Charter High School.
As families and attendees were dispersing from the commencement event held at Hofstra’s David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex at around 4:20 p.m., the five masked suspects initiated their assault. The father was attacked first, sustaining a deep knife cut on his leg. When the recent graduate intervened, he was slashed across the left ear. Both victims were rushed to local hospitals. However, there is no clear link between the two victims.
The attackers, all of whom donned disguises during their assault, were apprehended, with sources revealing that five arrests have been made. T
The motivation behind the brutal assault is yet to be confirmed, although police believe it ties back to a domestic dispute.
Safety precautions were put in place during the ceremony, including the installment of magnetometers for attendees. Academy Charter High School also reassured that the attack occurred outside the venue, and that their security team acted in coordination with Nassau County police and Hofstra University’s public safety officials.