Federal Hill Security Guard Pleads Guilty to Assault After Viral Video

The bouncer was sentenced to 5 months in jail for putting a man in a chokehold outside a bar.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A security guard in Baltimore's Federal Hill neighborhood pleaded guilty to first-degree assault on Monday after a viral video showed him putting a man in a chokehold outside a bar. The guard, Kevin Weaver, was sentenced to 9 years in jail with all but 5 months suspended, and will also have 3 years of probation and be required to undergo anger management therapy.

Why it matters

The incident highlighted concerns about the use of excessive force by security personnel, especially in crowded bar settings where tensions can run high. The guilty plea and sentencing send a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated, and reinforces the need for proper training and accountability for those entrusted with public safety.

The details

In October 2025, a video went viral showing Weaver, a security guard, putting a man in a chokehold outside a bar in Baltimore's Federal Hill neighborhood. Weaver was initially denied bail in connection with the incident, but on Monday he pleaded guilty to first-degree assault. As part of his sentence, Weaver will spend 5 months in jail, followed by 3 years of probation, and he must complete anger management therapy.

  • The incident occurred in October 2025.
  • Weaver pleaded guilty on March 3, 2026.

The players

Kevin Weaver

A security guard in Baltimore's Federal Hill neighborhood who pleaded guilty to first-degree assault after a viral video showed him putting a man in a chokehold outside a bar.

Ivan Bates

The Baltimore City State's Attorney who said the guilty plea holds Weaver accountable for a 'violent and unacceptable abuse of authority.'

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What they’re saying

“This guilty plea holds defendant Kevin Weaver accountable for a violent and unacceptable abuse of authority. While we understand the challenges of working security in a crowded bar, those challenges never justify the use of excessive force. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, and when someone oversteps that line and violates another person's rights, there must be consequences.”

— Ivan Bates, Baltimore City State's Attorney

“It is nothing short of a miracle that the victim was not permanently injured, and we hope this outcome reinforces that violence — especially by those entrusted with public safety — will not be tolerated.”

— Ivan Bates, Baltimore City State's Attorney

What’s next

The man seen in the chokehold video has filed a lawsuit against the security guards, the company, and the bar. The outcome of that lawsuit is still pending.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for proper training, oversight, and accountability for security personnel, especially in high-stress environments like crowded bars. It serves as a reminder that the use of excessive force, even by those tasked with maintaining public safety, will face serious consequences.