University of Buffalo graduate chased on stage by police while holding infant son during ceremony in chaotic scene
An un-Bull-ievable moment.A University at Buffalo graduate and proud father bucked school officials as he ran across the stage to receive his diploma with his young son in tow and police in pursuit in a wild, unforgettable commencement scene.Jean Paul Al Arab had promised his son they’d collect his diploma together.He kept that vow at the university’s Alumni Arena on Sunday when he walked across the stage holding the infant to celebrate his degree — even with the threat of arrest.Al Arab, who graduated with a bachelor’s in criminology, ran on stage after the last names were called and took the spotlight with his kid, who donned a blue cap and gown to match his father.“I ran, that’s what I did.
I had to.I promised him I was gonna walk with him on the stage,” Al Arab told WGRZ.School security and a police officer attempted to grab the determined graduate, but failed when Al Arab made it on stage and victoriously celebrated in front of the raucous crowd.Al Arab also shook hands with the school administrators on stage before walking off as a police officer waited behind him on stage.The newly graduated father was met by several officers in the arena as the crowd and other graduates looked on, with some “booing” the law enforcement response.Al Arab’s antics during the UB College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Commencement ceremony were a last-minute decision from the father, whose initial plans were foiled by school officials.“During a prep class for commencement, I asked if I could walk with my baby and they told me it was fine,” Al Arab shared in a post to TikTok.“When the time came, they tried to stop me and even called the police.
They tried to escort me out, but honestly, the only reason they let me go was because all of you who cheered and supported me.” he said, referencing the large crowd inside Alumni Arena.Al Arab says he worked two jobs, one overnight, and took care of his son during the day while the boy’s mother was out, a...