KANSAS CITY, Mo. The individual who intervened in a brutal attack on a T-Mobile Center employee is sharing his story, and his motivation for doing so is as compelling as it is courageous.
FOX4 initially reported on 66-year-old Thomas Schlange, who has worked in guest services at T-Mobile Center for 17 years and was violently attacked while performing his duties.
Now, the sole person who intervened physically to halt the assault—while others either recorded the incident or simply watched—is explaining what he observed that evening and why he felt compelled to act.
“Thomas is telling everyone to back up—he’s just doing his job directing people to clear the stairway, and the kid keeps advancing,” recounted Antonio Clayter, who intervened to stop the attack on the T-Mobile Center employee.
The video, which has since gone viral on social media, depicts a distressing scene: Schlange being repeatedly struck by a teenager inside T-Mobile Center.
Still, it’s that very footage that captured one critical moment – a man pulling the teen off Schlange mid-assault.
“The kid just pushed him; he just spazzed out and he pushed him,” Clayter said.
In the video, Schlange stumbles backward falling into Clayter, just before the attack escalates.
As the punches begin flying, Clayter acts.
“I had to,” Clayter explained. “It wasn’t even a feeling; it was something that had to be done. I have family members that age. This is unjust. I was raised with principles and integrity. You can’t behave like that, especially towards our elders.”
Clayter’s decision to intervene wasn’t based on impulse it was personal.
“You can’t grow up with that type of mentality because you’re not going to get far in life at all…me, myself, I’ve been in trouble; I know what road that you can go down; you’re not going to get anywhere good besides prison or dead,” he said.
FOX4 reached out to the juvenile court system Wednesday, but so far, no case file has been received from the Kansas City Police Department.
We’re told police are expected to meet with Schlange on Friday as part of their ongoing investigation.
As for Schlange, he remains at home recovering from serious injuries. But we’re told he’s expected to be okay.
The video continues to spark conversation not just in Kansas City, but across the country, and FOX4 will continue to follow every development as this story unfolds.
Previous coverage
- 66-year-old T-Mobile Center employee talks about assault at NBA YoungBoy concert
- Video of employee being attacked at T-Mobile Center concert goes viral
