Two people were slashed Wednesday following a ceremony at Hofstra University for students graduating from Academy Charter Schools, according to a school spokesperson.
The spokesperson says several masked men targeted one adult after the graduation, and it is believed to be some sort of domestic situation.
The adult was slashed in the leg. A student intervened and was slashed on his ear. Both were taken to the hospital.
The incident happened at around 4:10 p.m. outside the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex.
Hofstra University security, Academy Charter Schools security and Nassau County police responded.
A Hofstra University spokesperson says that Nassau County police took six people into custody.
Students who live at or near Hofstra say they would like to see the police add extra patrols near campus following the slashing.
The students from the Academy Charter High Schools in Hempstead and Uniondale intentionally graduated on Juneteenth.
Principal Travis Holloway said it’s a day that speaks of “liberation and freedom,” and said the staff hopes to provide students with opportunities to be free and liberated from boundaries and anything that hinders them.
Statement from Academy Charter High Schools:
“After the conclusion of our graduation program celebrating the accomplishments of our scholars, as the graduates and their families were leaving the building, five masked man attacked a guest who attended the graduation ceremony outside of the Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex on the Hofstra University Campus. We are told that it is believed the incident was related to a domestic dispute. The guest was slashed in the leg. The student who he was a guest of intervened and was slashed in the ear. Both victims were transported to an area hospital.
All those entering the graduation passed through magnetometers. We underscore that this incident took place outside of the graduation venue. Our security team is cooperating with Nassau County Police and Hofstra Public safety officers.”