When Robert F. Jenkins, a seasoned usher employed by Spectra Venue Management, tried to move a 17‑year‑old concertgoer to a different seat, the teen turned violent and left the 66‑year‑old bruised and broken on the stairs of the T‑Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri on September 21, 2025.
What happened at the concert
The evening began like any other stop on the NBA YoungBoy concert tour, with fans packing Section 208, Row H, Seat 12. At roughly 8:30 PM CDT, Jenkins approached the row and politely asked the teenager to vacate the premium seat, citing venue policy. According to witnesses, the teen’s mood shifted “so enraged” that he lunged at the usher, pummeling his face and body for about 47 seconds before security intervened.
Security footage, later released to the Kansas City Police Department (KCPD), shows the teen lifting Jenkins by the collar and slamming him down the concrete steps, causing the older man’s head to strike a riser edge. A by‑stander’s smartphone captured the assault; the clip amassed roughly 60,000 views on TikTok and Instagram by September 24.
Official response and investigation
KCPD officers from the Special Events Unit, led by Officer Marcus J. Reynolds (badge #4482), arrived at the venue at 9:17 PM CDT. Within eleven minutes they detained the minor, who remains unnamed under Missouri juvenile‑law protections (Revised Statutes of Missouri §211.071). The teen was held at the Jackson County Juvenile Detention Center pending a decision on adult‑court transfer.
Captain Mary L. Thompson, KCPD’s public information officer, told a press briefing on September 24 that the assault could be charged as first‑degree assault (Mo. Rev. Stat. §565.050), a felony carrying up to ten years if tried as an adult. The Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is expected to file a formal recommendation by October 15.
Medical aftermath for the usher
Paramedics from Ambulance Unit 17 rushed Jenkins to Truman Medical Center Hospital Hill. He suffered a fractured zygomatic bone, three broken ribs, a concussion, and facial lacerations that required 28 stitches. After a brief stay, Jenkins was released on September 22 with a six‑week medical‑leave directive.
Spectra’s Director of Operations, Evelyn R. Cho, released a statement on September 23 saying the company is fully cooperating with investigators and has suspended the usher’s duties pending the outcome of the internal review.
Security context at the T‑Mobile Center
The T‑Mobile Center, owned by the Kansas City Convention Center and managed by Spectra (a division of Comcast Spectacor), typically deploys a robust security team for high‑profile events. For the NBA YoungBoy show, the Special Events Unit fielded 42 officers, including 12 undercover agents, according to Event Order #KC20250921‑NG filed September 18.
Spectra’s 2024 workforce report indicated the venue employs 327 full‑time staff, 89 of whom are ushers over the age of 60. This incident marks the third security‑related event at the arena since January 2024, following a December 2024 altercation involving Kansas City Chiefs personnel.
Legal and societal implications
The case revives the debate over juvenile accountability in violent crimes. Missouri law permits offenders under 18 to be tried as adults for certain felonies, but the decision rests with the prosecutor. Legal experts, such as Professor Daniel H. Richards of the University of Missouri‑Kansas City School of Law, note that “the public outcry over a senior employee being assaulted in a public venue often pressures prosecutors to pursue adult charges, even when the perpetrator is a minor.”
From a venue‑management perspective, the assault underscores the challenge of balancing fan experience with staff safety. Spectra has announced a review of its seat‑verification procedures, hinting at possible adoption of RFID‑based ticket scanning to prevent unauthorized seat occupation.
What’s next for the parties involved
The juvenile court is slated to hold a preliminary hearing no earlier than October 1. If transferred to adult court, the teen could face up to a decade behind bars, though his defense attorney, Avery J. Lucas, says the client is “remorseful and seeking counseling.”
Jenkins, meanwhile, will likely receive workers’ compensation through Spectra’s insurance, but he has not spoken publicly about returning to work. Friends describe him as “the heart of the usher crew,” noting his 14‑year tenure and reputation for kindness.
Key facts
- Date of assault: September 21, 2025, 8:30 PM CDT
- Location: NBA YoungBoy concertT‑Mobile Center, Kansas City, MO
- Victim: Robert F. Jenkins, 66, usher
- Perpetrator: 17‑year‑old male, identity protected
- Charges: Potential first‑degree assault, up to 10 years if tried as adult
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this assault affect venue staff safety policies?
Spectra Venue Management announced a full security audit, including upgraded ticket‑validation technology and additional training for ushers on de‑escalation techniques. The goal is to prevent future confrontations that could endanger employees, especially those over 60 who are statistically more vulnerable to injury.
What legal options are available for the teenage offender?
Under Missouri Revised Statutes §565.050, the teen may be charged with first‑degree assault. Prosecutors can request a waiver to try him as an adult, but a juvenile court hearing will first determine jurisdiction. If tried as a juvenile, penalties could include probation, counseling, and restitution to the victim.
Why did the video of the assault go viral so quickly?
The clip was posted by a concert‑goer on TikTok minutes after the incident. Its shocking nature, combined with the age disparity between the victim and attacker, resonated with users, driving shares across platforms and reaching 60,000 views within three days, prompting broader media coverage.
What impact might this have on future concerts at the T‑Mobile Center?
Event organizers are likely to increase staffing levels for security and enforce stricter seat‑assignment checks. The incident may also influence artists’ contracts, requiring venues to demonstrate heightened safety protocols before booking large‑scale shows.
Has NBA YoungBoy commented on the incident?
Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, known as NBA YoungBoy, was not present when the assault occurred; his performance ended at 8:15 PM CDT. His management team issued a brief statement expressing sympathy for the victim and reaffirming their commitment to fan safety, but no further comment was made.
