Brooklyn, August 12, 2025
News Summary
New York police are searching for a man who threw a sex toy during a WNBA game, injuring a 12-year-old girl. This incident at Barclays Center has raised concerns over safety in sports venues as similar events have occurred at other games across the country. Authorities have released images of the suspect while the league emphasizes the importance of ensuring fan and player safety.
Brooklyn, New York – New York police are actively searching for a man who allegedly threw a sex toy during a WNBA game, striking a 12-year-old girl seated in the audience. The incident occurred on August 5 during the matchup between the New York Liberty and the Dallas Wings at Barclays Center. Fortunately, the injury sustained by the girl, who was hit in the right leg, was not severe enough to require hospitalization, though it caused her noticeable pain.
Witnesses reported that the girl reacted strongly, screaming for about 30 seconds following the impact. Authorities have described the suspect as wearing a “Beavis and Butt-Head” T-shirt and an Ohio State cap. The NYPD has released both a photo and video of the individual in hopes of gathering information from the public to assist in the investigation.
This alarming event is not isolated; it reflects a worrying trend that has seen similar incidents reported at WNBA games across the United States over the last few weeks. The first incident of this nature occurred on July 29 during a game between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream in College Park, Georgia. Since then, disturbances have also been recorded in Phoenix, Chicago, and Los Angeles, leading to the arrest of two men connected with incidents in Georgia and Phoenix.
In light of these events, a WNBA spokesperson emphasized that the safety of everyone in the arenas is the top priority, highlighting ongoing collaboration with law enforcement to manage the situation and take appropriate actions against those involved. Disturbingly, a group of cryptomeme coin creators has claimed responsibility for the sex toy incidents, asserting that these actions are a protest against the “toxic” environment prevalent in the crypto space.
Players and coaches within the league have condemned these events, labeling them as dangerous and disrespectful. Many have expressed concerns about the adequacy of security measures in place at the arenas. Notably, Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve remarked on how such incidents reflect the continuing sexualization of women and pose a threat to the integrity of women’s sports. Similarly, Liberty forward Isabelle Harrison has called for improved security protocols at basketball venues, stressing the significant risk associated with throwing objects onto the court.
The NYPD remains engaged in ongoing investigations into these incidents, raising apprehensions among players regarding the credibility and respect surrounding the league. As the investigation proceeds, efforts are being made to safeguard players, fans, and all individuals attending events, reinforcing the importance of a secure environment in professional sports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during the WNBA game in Brooklyn?
During a WNBA game on August 5, a man threw a sex toy into the audience, hitting a 12-year-old girl. She suffered some pain but was not hospitalized.
Is there an ongoing investigation into the incident?
Yes, the NYPD is actively investigating the incident and has released a photo and video of the suspect in hopes of gathering leads from the public.
Have similar incidents occurred at other WNBA games?
Yes, there have been several similar incidents reported at WNBA games across the country over the past two weeks, including disturbances in Georgia, Phoenix, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
What measures are being taken to ensure safety at WNBA games?
WNBA representatives have stated that the safety of fans and players is a priority and that they are working closely with law enforcement to enhance security measures at arenas.
Key Features of Recent Events
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Description | Sex toy thrown during WNBA game, hitting 12-year-old girl |
| Location | Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY |
| Date | August 5, 2023 |
| Injury | Girl hit in leg, experienced pain, not hospitalized |
| Suspect Description | Wearing Beavis and Butt-Head T-shirt, Ohio State cap |
| Recent Similar Incidents | Occurrences in Georgia, Phoenix, Chicago, Los Angeles |
| Arrests | Two men arrested related to incidents in Georgia and Phoenix |
| Safety Measures | Collaboration with law enforcement, emphasis on increased security |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- NBC News
- Wikipedia: Women’s National Basketball Association
- NBC Philadelphia
- Google Search: WNBA security incidents
- Fox 5 NY
- Google Scholar: WNBA player security
- ABC 7 NY
- Encyclopedia Britannica: WNBA history
- PIX11
- Google News: 12 year old girl struck toy WNBA
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PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
