Man faces assault, trespassing charges in Bret 'The Hitman' Hart attack
Wrestling legend was giving speech during WWE Hall of Fame ceremony on Sunday
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 US for Zachary Madsen, of Lincoln, Neb., at a hearing on Sunday night. The judge also issued orders of protection, barring Madsen from approaching Hart and a security worker.
This is probably the best angle of the incident involving a fan (and I use that term loosely) attacking Bret Hart. Disgusting. This guy deserved everything he got in the aftermath. Glad to hear Bret was OK and able to resume his speech. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWEHOF?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WWEHOF</a><a href="https://t.co/6j1Rf8pkMb">https://t.co/6j1Rf8pkMb</a> <a href="https://t.co/pXwDdcIo6s">pic.twitter.com/pXwDdcIo6s</a>
—@SandhuMMAOther wrestlers helped subdue the attacker. Hart, who wasn't hurt, 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 co-operative" and has no criminal convictions.
WWE described Madsen as "an over-exuberant fan." Madsen had a previous run-in with a fighter in Lincoln.
The induction event resumed — with Hart continuing his speech — after the fan was taken into custody.
"He should have never attacked Bret Hart, especially at such a special moment in his life," spectator Alan Fisher said.