Two people have been taken into custody after video surfaced of a free-for-all brawl that broke out this week at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. Viral images circulating on social media show at least six men and women exchanging blows near one of the terminals’ baggage claim areas.
“A verbal dispute during disembarkation escalated on the lower level of Terminal 3 when two criminals struck a 24-year-old woman,” the Chicago Police Department said in a statement.
At one point, two women are seen lying on the ground, holding each other’s hair. After they stood up and separated, one of the women appeared to be attacked from behind by another woman holding an unidentified object. A man then lunged at the attacker and pushed her to the ground.
“Hey hey bro!” A bystander was heard screaming as another man appeared to throw a punch at that woman’s head. The cause of the violent fight was not immediately clear. Other passers-by could be heard saying, “Where’s the security?” Stop!”
Police have since arrested Christopher Hampton, 18, and Tembra Hicks, 20, both from the Chicago suburbs. Both individuals face a misdemeanor assault charge.
“Safety and security are always top priorities for the Chicago Department of Aviation,” the airport operator said. “We work closely with all of our federal partners present at O’Hare and Midway International Airports and the Chicago Police Department to ensure that everyone is safe when at our facilities.”
The Chicago Department of Aviation did not immediately respond to a request for further comment from local media.
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