Brooklyn Woman Sues Barclays Center Over Injuries Suffered in 2022 Stampede Following False Gunfire Alarm

A Brooklyn woman is suing the owners and operators of Barclays Center, claiming she suffered permanent injuries after being trampled during a mass panic triggered by a false report of gunfire at the arena in 2022. The lawsuit, filed just days before the statute of limitations expired, alleges that the venue failed to implement basic safety protocols, leaving workers and attendees dangerously vulnerable during a chaotic moment.

At Peter Thompson & Associates, we closely follow incidents like these, even those outside of Maine, because they raise critical questions about premises liability, negligent security, and an owner’s duty to protect the public. While this case happened in Brooklyn, the legal principles it invokes apply just as strongly here in Maine: property owners must ensure their venues are safe — not only during routine operations but also in the face of foreseeable emergencies.

The incident occurred around 1 a.m. on May 29, 2022, shortly after a high-profile boxing match between Gervonta Davis and Rolando Romero. The event, promoted by Mayweather Promotions, had drawn a large crowd to Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. As attendees began exiting the arena, a loud noise on the street triggered widespread panic. While the sound was later determined not to be gunfire, the initial fear of an active shooter spread rapidly, causing a frenzied stampede.

According to the NYPD, many people fled the area, while others rushed back into the building in confusion. In the chaos that followed, at least 16 individuals were injured. Among them was tennis star Naomi Osaka, who later recounted how she sheltered in fear during the panic, believing there was a shooter in the vicinity.

One of the more seriously injured was Idiana Gonzalez, a Brooklyn resident and employee working at the arena that night. In her lawsuit filed May 28, Gonzalez alleges that she was knocked to the ground and trampled during the stampede, suffering severe injuries including a shoulder injury that required surgical intervention. She asserts that the injuries have left her with lasting impairments and chronic pain.

The complaint names several corporate entities responsible for managing or promoting the event: Brooklyn Events Center, LLC, ASM Global, BSE Global, AEG Management Brooklyn, and Mayweather Promotions. It also includes unnamed individuals and corporate defendants who may have played a role in managing security operations or making critical safety decisions.

According to Gonzalez’s legal filing, the defendants failed to take reasonable steps to anticipate and mitigate the dangers posed by a large, tightly packed crowd. The suit alleges that arena management ignored or downplayed known risks, violated building safety codes, and failed to put in place adequate emergency response plans despite previous incidents at similar venues.

Gonzalez’s lawsuit is not an isolated case. It follows at least six other personal injury lawsuits filed over the same event, suggesting a broader pattern of mismanagement or neglect by the arena and its operators. While Barclays Center has not publicly commented on any of the pending lawsuits, legal observers note that the number and severity of the claims may force a broader reckoning over the venue's preparedness and security measures.

The suit argues that the venue operators knew — or should have known — about the potential for panic, especially at high-energy events with large crowds and high-profile personalities. It claims that no meaningful security protocols were communicated to staff or implemented on-site, leaving workers and attendees to fend for themselves in the moment of crisis.

At Peter Thompson & Associates, we often represent individuals harmed due to negligent security or unsafe premises — whether at public venues, shopping centers, or private events. In this case, the allegations speak to a clear failure of foresight and responsibility.

Property owners and event organizers have a duty to protect invitees from reasonably foreseeable harm. That includes not just violent incidents, but also the foreseeable consequences of false alarms or crowd panic. When businesses prioritize profits over safety — by cutting corners on security staffing, failing to train employees, or ignoring crowd control best practices — they can and should be held accountable.

Gonzalez’s complaint seeks damages for physical injuries, emotional trauma, lost wages, and ongoing medical costs. Importantly, it also asserts joint and several liability, meaning that each defendant may be held fully responsible for her damages regardless of individual fault.

The tragedy at Barclays Center should serve as a cautionary tale for any organization that invites the public into its space. Panic events can unfold in seconds, and the results can be devastating. The law doesn’t expect venue operators to predict every crisis, but it does demand that they take reasonable, proactive steps to ensure safety. Failing to do so isn’t just negligent — it’s dangerous.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to inadequate safety or emergency protocols at a public event, whether in Maine or beyond, you may have a right to compensation. Contact Peter Thompson & Associates for a free consultation. We’re here to help you understand your legal options and fight for the justice you deserve.