- A viral video shows an older man confronting a younger spectator sitting during the national anthem at Wrigley Field.
- The incident happened before a Cubs game against the Twins on July 19, garnering millions of online views.
- Chicago Police are aware of the footage but no complaint or charges have been filed as of July 20.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS — Months after footage of a Chicago mother and her 9-year-old son being attacked outside an elementary school drew widespread outrage, another confrontation caught on camera in the city is dividing viewers online. This time, the dispute unfolded inside Wrigley Field and centered on one spectator’s decision to remain seated during the national anthem.
The viral video was recorded before the Chicago Cubs faced the Minnesota Twins on Sunday, July 19. It shows an older man standing over a younger spectator who remained in his seat while “The Star-Spangled Banner” was being performed.
“Get up,” the older man can be heard saying.
When the seated fan did not immediately move, the man leaned down and spoke quietly into his ear. He then struck the younger spectator on the back of the head.
Fan Stands After Being Struck
The younger man appeared surprised by the slap but quickly rose from his seat. Several people nearby turned toward the confrontation, and at least one spectator appeared to object to what had happened.
After the fan stood, the older man could be heard saying, “Thank you. Thank you so much, young man.”
The short clip quickly spread across X, Instagram, and other platforms, collecting millions of views and thousands of divided reactions. Some viewers praised the older man for insisting that the anthem be respected, while others argued that touching or striking another person was unacceptable regardless of the disagreement.
Neither man has been publicly identified, and their precise ages and relationship, if any, remain unknown.
Chicago Police Aware of Viral Video
Chicago Police told TMZ that investigators were aware of the footage. However, no official police report had been filed as of July 20.
Without a complaint or additional evidence, authorities had not announced an investigation, identified either person, or filed charges in connection with the incident.
The Chicago Cubs had not publicly announced any disciplinary action against the older spectator at the time of publication.
Does a Fan Have to Stand for the Anthem?
Federal law describes the customary conduct expected during the national anthem. Title 36 of the United States Code states that people present “should” face the flag and stand at attention with their right hands over their hearts.
The wording describes recommended etiquette. It does not establish a criminal penalty for a spectator who chooses to remain seated, nor does it give another spectator the authority to force that person to stand.
The issue is separate from whether the physical contact shown in the video could violate Illinois law.
Under Illinois law, a person can commit battery by knowingly causing bodily harm or making physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature without legal justification. Battery is generally classified as a Class A misdemeanor, although the exact charge in any case depends on the location, injuries, evidence, and other circumstances.
No court has determined that the unidentified man in the video committed a crime, and police have not announced any charges.
Cubs Defeat Twins at Wrigley Field
The confrontation occurred before the Cubs defeated the Twins 10–1 in front of more than 37,000 spectators at Wrigley Field.
Chicago scored 10 runs during the first four innings. Nico Hoerner led the offense with four RBIs, while starting pitcher Shota Imanaga threw seven scoreless innings. The victory allowed the Cubs to win the three-game series against Minnesota.
Although the game ended with a decisive Cubs victory, much of the discussion online focused on the confrontation in the stands.
Some commenters viewed standing during the anthem as a basic sign of respect. Others noted that respect cannot be demanded through physical force and that spectators should keep their hands to themselves even when they strongly disagree with another person’s conduct.
As of July 21, no complaint, arrest, or criminal charge had been publicly reported. It remains unclear whether the younger spectator intends to pursue further action.
To see more confrontations and extraordinary moments caught on camera, watch our video here:
