Hempstead, New York – Two individuals sustained injuries following an attack by five masked assailants after a high school commencement ceremony on Wednesday. The incident took place outside a sports complex at Hofstra University on Long Island as graduates from Hempstead and Uniondale high schools were exiting the venue with their families, as stated by school officials. One person was viciously slashed in the ear, while another suffered a leg wound during the altercation.
According to a statement issued on behalf of the schools, the individual slashed in the leg was identified as a guest of a student. Reports indicate that the student tried to intervene and ended up being slashed in the ear as well. Both victims were promptly transported to a local hospital, although their current conditions remain undisclosed.
Nassau County Police Department responded to reports of a potential assault at Hofstra campus around 4:20 p.m. It remains unclear whether the attackers were apprehended following the incident. Authorities believe the attack may be connected to a domestic dispute, highlighting that all attendees had passed through metal detectors before the ceremony.
The statement released on behalf of the schools reiterated that the altercation occurred outside the graduation venue, affirming that security personnel is collaborating with Nassau County Police and Hofstra Public safety officers. A Hofstra University spokeswoman reassured that the campus was secure and directed any further inquiries to the police, although additional details surrounding the incident are currently unavailable.