Brockton police: 7 arrests in fights at graduation

BROCKTON, Mass. (WHDH) -- Police say seven men were arrested when multiple fights broke out at the Brockton High School graduation.

There was plenty of pomp and circumstance during Brockton High School’s graduation, but it didn’t involve the senior class. Police say three fights broke out at Friday night’s ceremony near the football field. The incident was caught on cell phone camera and posted on YouTube.

A Brockton school committee member called the actions classless and unacceptable, at what was supposed to be a celebratory occasion.

“People just wanted to make a splash at a very dignified event and they were very undignified, rude and just disgraceful,” Thomas Minichiello said.

Police broke up the fight within seconds. Investigators say there were no graduates involved, but seven men are now facing charges and school administrators are looking at the video to see if the fight was planned.

Police believe the fights were gang related.

“It was a great day, it was a great graduation ceremony -- it was fantastic,” Minichiello said. “And to have it marred by such a disgraceful and unclassy group of individuals is really too bad.”

More than 900 students received their diplomas Friday night.

Police say the seven arrested suspects are facing charges of disorderly conduct.