Metro

Graduate, father slashed by masked suspects outside high school commencement ceremony at Hofstra University

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Published June 19, 2024, 7:42 p.m. ET

A high school graduate and a father of a student were slashed by a group of masked suspects outside Hofstra University after the teen’s commencement ceremony, according to officials and police sources.

Academy Charter High School had just wrapped up its ceremony at Hofstra’s David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex in Hempstead around 4:20 p.m. when five suspects targeted the dad as families were leaving the building, according to police and sources.

The man was slashed on the leg and a graduating senior was slashed on the left ear when he tried to intervene outside of the university’s campus, sources and school officials confirmed.

Both were taken to area hospitals for treatment. It’s unclear if the victims are related.

Five people were arrested, according to police sources.

The suspects were wearing masks at the time of the attack, school officials told The Post.

Police are investigating after two people were slashed by a group of masked men at Hofstra University on Long Island on Wednesday. The attack happened around 4:20 p.m. at the university's David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex. A high school graduation ceremony was going on at the time of the attack. Academy Charter High Schools say that at the conclusion of the graduation program, as families were leaving the building, five masked men attacked a guest, who attended the ceremony, outside the building.
The attack happened outside of Hofstra’s sports center following a high school graduation. Google Maps

Academy Charter said they were told by police the stabbing is believed to be related to a domestic dispute.

“All those entering the graduation passed through magnetometers. We underscore that this incident took place outside of the graduation venue.,” Academy Charter High School said in a statement.

The school said its security team worked with Nassau County police and Hofstra University’s public safety officers.