Fights at Columbus City Schools graduations that were captured in viral videos resulted in riot and disorderly conduct charges for four individuals, according to a police spokesperson.
Multiple videos circulating on social media show fights inside and outside the Columbus Convention Center on May 28. Officers responded around 7 p.m. and detained several individuals, four of whom were charged with riot and disorderly conduct, according to a Columbus Police spokesperson.
Reacting to the viral videos, Mayor Andrew Ginther said he expects more from the city’s young people.
It was not immediately clear which high school’s students or families were involved. Multiple CCS high schools had graduations on May 28 at the Convention Center: Briggs, Columbus International, East, Fort Hayes Arts & Academics, Linden-McKinley STEM Academy, Northland and Walnut Ridge.
“Officers responded to the convention center, where multiple high school graduations were occurring,” said Columbus police spokeswoman Nicole Jaros. “Upon arrival, officers observed a large group fighting at the intersection of N High Street and Vine Street.”
After detaining some individuals, officers stood by to ensure the rest of the crowd exiting the convention center did so peacefully, Jaros said. No injuries were reported.
“Anytime there’s any violence among our young people in the community, I’m concerned about it. I’m not just the mayor, I’m a dad,” Ginther said.
Ginther said the city will continue to have a strong uniformed police presence at events at the Convention Center.
“But we’re also asking the young people and their parents to step up and set expectations around what’s acceptable,” Ginther said. “Graduations are a time for celebration. They are time for us to show our love and how proud we are of our young people. But we have to do it in a safe way. I expect better out of the young people of this city.”
Angela Chapman, CCS superintendent, released this statement on May 29:
“Graduation is a significant milestone for our students and families, and our focus remains on celebrating the accomplishments of more than 2,500 students earning diplomas in the Class of 2026. The behavior demonstrated last night has no place at an event intended to honor our graduates and their achievements. The district has a comprehensive security plan in place for all graduation ceremonies and will continue to address any attendees who do not adhere to our expectations for safe, respectful conduct. We all share a responsibility to help create a positive environment that reflects the pride and celebration our graduates deserve.”
This is a breaking story that will be updated.
Warning: strong language in video below
Government and politics reporter Jordan Laird can be reached at jlaird@dispatch.com. Follow her on X, Instagram and Bluesky at @LairdWrites.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Fights at downtown Columbus graduations lead to riot charges
Reporting by Jordan Laird and Bailey Gallion, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
