Chaos Erupts at Busch Gardens: Massive Brawl Breaks Out, Police Rush In

in Busch Gardens

Four people are walking on a wooden bridge at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

Credit: Busch Gardens

Chaos unfolded at Busch Gardens Williamsburg over the weekend, with law enforcement ultimately called to the scene.

First opened in 1975, Busch Gardens Williamsburg is distinctly different from its Florida counterpart. Originally conceived as an expansion of Anheuser-Busch’s brewery tours, the Virginia theme park set itself apart with its focus on immersive theming, dividing the park into European-themed “villages” that reflect countries like England, Italy, and France.

A colorful sign reading "Busch Gardens" in green, with abstract design elements in blue, red, and yellow behind it. The sign is situated on a green structure with a background of trees at the beloved theme park, leaving fans furious as whispers circulate about potential ceases operations.
Credit: Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Over the years, Busch Gardens Williamsburg evolved into more than just a beautiful park. Its ride offerings expanded to include a handful of renowned roller coasters and thrill rides, such as the multi-launch coaster Verbolten and the iconic Apollo’s Chariot. The park also introduced seasonal events like Howl-O-Scream and Christmas Town, diversifying its appeal and attracting visitors year-round.

Despite generating lower attendance than the likes of Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, or even its sister park, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Busch Gardens Williamsburg still draws in guests of all ages and interests. But like Disney and Universal, these guests aren’t always the best-behaved parkgoers in the world.

A thrilling roller coaster named Pantheon is visible through some green foliage at Busch Gardens. The ride features a large, vertical loop and tracks that twist and turn. A covered platform for boarding is seen in the foreground with the Pantheon sign prominently displayed.
Credit: Busch Gardens

Earlier this year, a fight broke out at the theme park between guests waiting in line for Pantheon. The altercation was caught on camera, with some claiming that it was six guests versus one.

The man at the center of the attack was allegedly standing in front of the exit, blocking those who had paid extra to wait in a shorter line. A woman who wanted to get off the ride after it shut down asked the man to move so she could pass, but he refused.

In June, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay also made headlines after a hotel near the entrance, Rodeway Inn, was the site of a deadly shooting. Just days later, rumors spread on Facebook of a planned “takeover” of the park. A fight later broke out at the park, starting with two guests and gradually including more people until it devolved into a full-on brawl.

Fight yesterday at @BuschGardens during the so called “takeover”

 

This followed a similar incident at Aquatica Orlando (a water park owned by Busch Gardens’ operator, United Parks & Resorts, which also owns SeaWorld parks, including SeaWorld Orlando), in which a mass brawl led to the park entering a total lockdown. Now, another incident has occurred at Busch Gardens Williamsburg – also involving a huge crowd of guests.

According to WTKR, an altercation broke out on Saturday, the first night of the park’s Halloween event, Howl-O-Scream. This reportedly occurred at 10 p.m., just as the event was ending, when police were called to a disturbance in a crowd of several hundred guests.

A woman and a man, both with surprised expressions, look scared at Busch Gardens Williamsburg's Howl-O-Scream.
Credit: Busch Gardens

Related: Disney Explains Why It Won’t Sell You An Annual Pass Anymore

The altercation apparently started as an argument between two groups of people (mostly made up of children and young adults) waiting in line for rides near the park entrance. Police arrived as the conflict escalated, with crowds soon dispersing after some guests made comments suggesting that someone potentially had a gun.

Police claim that the child in question initially refused to show his hands, then made a motion towards his waistband. While he was briefly detained, he was returned to his parents after police found no weapon.

A roller coaster with a group of people riding it at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.
Credit: Busch Gardens

James City County Police has since issued a statement reasserting its stance towards antisocial behavior at amusement park events.

Guests who fail to adhere to the park’s code of conduct disrupt the experience for others, create unnecessary safety risks, and may face expulsion/banishment from the park and/or legal repercussions. Parents and guardians must take responsibility for supervising their children, ensuring they behave appropriately and are picked up promptly. We are committed to ensuring Howl-O-Scream is a safe and fun event for all, and guests play a cooperative role in achieving this goal.

Have you ever witnessed guests getting rowdy at a theme park?

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