NEW YORK (CelebrityAccess) — Worldwide Wrestling Entertainment star Bret “The Hitman” Hart was attacked by a fan during a live event at the Barclays Center on Saturday night.
According to the New York Times, Hart was giving a speech as part of his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame when a spectator jumped into the ring and tackled the 61-year-old performer.
The assailant, who police later identified as 26-year-old, Zachary Madsen, was pulled away from Hart by a number of his wrestling colleagues as well as event security personnel.
“An over-exuberant fan surpassed our security at ringside and made his way briefly into the ring,” a WWE spokesman told the NYT. “The individual has been turned over to the proper authorities.”
Alexander Cane, an assistant district attorney, told the Times that Hart and a security officer both suffered injuries in the melee, and were treated at a hospital and later released.
Madsen had a valid ticket for the wrestling performance but was not permitted to be in the cordoned off area near the ring. He faces charges
As well, the judge granted two two protective orders prohibiting Madsen from having any contact with Hart or the injured security staff member, the Times reported.
The Omaha World-Herald also reported that Madsen, who is from Nebraska, has been arrested three time since December for allegedly stalking and violating a restraining order against a mixed martial fighter.
