Spectator charged with assaulting WWE star Bret Hart
FILE – In this March 28, 2010, file photo, Bret “Hit Man” Hart celebrates his victory over Mr. McMahon at WrestleMania XXVI in Glendale, Ariz. Hart was tackled by a spectator Saturday, April 6, 2019, while he was giving a speech during the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony at Barclays Center. The attacker was promptly subdued by several people, including other wrestlers, who came to Hart’s defense. Hart is okay. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri, File)
NEW YORK — Authorities say 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 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. Hart resumed his speech.
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.
