The NYPD is seeking public assistance in identifying a man accused of throwing an adult toy that struck a 12-year-old girl during a Liberty game on Aug. 5. A video was posted on X showing the alleged suspect, who is charged with assault following the incident. This attack has sparked renewed concerns about safety in sports venues, particularly for young spectators.
The incident is part of a troubling trend of similar occurrences at WNBA games over the past two weeks. At least six games have been affected, with incidents reported in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Phoenix. On July 29, the first incident occurred in Atlanta, where a sex toy was thrown during a game. In Chicago, the situation escalated on Aug. 1, and another incident took place in Los Angeles, nearly hitting Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham. The incidents in New York and Phoenix, both on Tuesday last week, were reported but did not reach the court. An 18-year-old man was recently arrested and charged in Phoenix, and a man in Georgia was also arrested for his involvement in the Atlanta incident.
The Liberty team reportedly has been cooperating with police, though they have not issued a public statement. A spokesperson for the team told NBC New York that they are working closely with law enforcement, emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing. The WNBA has taken a firm stance against such behavior, with a recent statement from the league indicating that their priority is the safety of everyone in their arenas. The league’s statement highlights their commitment to working with both local and federal law enforcement to pursue legal action, including potential felony charges, against those responsible for these incidents.
Further complications have arisen with the release of anonymous claims suggesting some of the incidents may be linked to a crypto group. While the league has not confirmed or denied these claims, the situation has prompted calls for increased security measures at sports events. The WNBA’s response reflects a growing concern about the safety of fans and players alike, as they aim to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. The ongoing investigation continues, with the hopes of identifying and holding accountable those responsible for these reckless acts.