WWE
ESPN News Services 5y

Hart attacker at HOF event charged with assault

WWE

NEW YORK -- Authorities said a spectator faces assault and trespassing charges after tackling wrestler Bret "The Hitman" Hart while he was giving a speech during the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony Saturday night in Brooklyn.

Bail was set at $1,500 for Zachary Madsen of Lincoln, Nebraska, at a hearing on Sunday night. The judge also issued orders of protection barring Madsen from approaching Hart, who wasn't hurt, and a security worker.

Other wrestlers helped subdue the attacker, and Hart resumed his speech. Hart released a statement on Instagram Monday.

"What a wild weekend to say the least!" he said. "First of all I want to thank WWE for not only the Hall of Fame honor for myself and Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, but for their hospitality with my family and friends.

"Regarding the ceremony, firstly I want to let everyone know that I am okay and was not injured. If there's one thing I want everyone to take away from the Hall of Fame ceremony is not so much what happened, but how I wasn't going to let anything stop me from completing my tribute to my best friend and our team. I'm also glad I got to join @natbynature and @thebethphoenix for their WrestleMania moment. Thank you everyone for your kind thoughts and words."

Prosecutors said in court that Madsen told police that he "felt like it was right moment" to go after the wrestling legend.

His lawyer said Madsen is "agreeable and cooperative" and has no criminal convictions.

WWE described Madsen as "an over-exuberant fan."

Madsen had a previous run-in with a fighter in Lincoln.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

^ Back to Top ^