A Baltimore Ravens fan turned himself into police after a viral video showed him assaulting two Washington Commanders fans. John Callis, 24, is facing charges of first-degree aggravated assault and three counts of second-degree assault. The incident occurred on October 13, 2024, after the Ravens defeated Washington. The video shows Callis in a purple Lamar Jackson jersey punching the Commanders fans, resulting in one victim being knocked unconscious. Callis could face up to 25 years in prison for the assault, which also involved a third victim off-camera.
The Commanders fans encountered Callis outside Cross Street Market, where he allegedly began aggressively grabbing and punching one of the victims. Minutes later, the victims ran into Callis again as they were searching for a lost cell phone, resulting in the altercation captured in the viral video. The video shows one victim being punched in the head, causing him to fall unconscious and hit his head on a parked vehicle. Callis was identified as an employee of Maury Donnelly & Parr Inc., an insurance company in Baltimore, but has since been terminated from his position due to the incident. The company stated that they have a zero-tolerance policy for violence and aggressive behavior.
The Baltimore Police issued a warrant for Callis’s arrest before he turned himself in on Monday. The incident drew attention on social media, with many condemning the violence captured in the video. After the assault, Callis can be heard shouting, “I don’t f—ing lose”, while others around him appeared to be encouraging his behavior. The video sparked outrage among fans of both teams, as well as the general public. The charging documents obtained by Baltimore’s WBAL-TV provide additional details about the assault, including the sequence of events leading up to the confrontation.
As news of the incident spread, the Baltimore Ravens, Washington Commanders, and NFL issued statements condemning the violence. The teams stressed the importance of respect and sportsmanship among fans, regardless of team allegiance. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of aggression and violence in sports fandom. It also highlights the responsibility of teams and leagues to address fan behavior and ensure the safety of all spectators. Moving forward, the case against Callis will be prosecuted, and the victims will have the opportunity to seek justice for the assault they endured.
