John Callis, a 24-year-old Baltimore Ravens fan, has been arrested after a viral video captured him violently assaulting Washington Commanders fans. Callis turned himself in to authorities on Monday after a search was launched for him following the circulation of the disturbing footage, which has garnered widespread attention on social media.
The first incident took place on the evening of October 13, when Callis and three Commanders fans crossed paths outside Cross Street Market in Baltimore’s Federal Hill neighborhood. According to charging documents, Callis yelled, “Screw the Redskins!”—a reference to the former name of the Washington Commanders—sparking the first confrontation.
The first victim told police that Callis then aggressively grabbed him by the collar and punched him in the face. Witnesses report that Callis, who was clearly upset over their team affiliation, struck the victim multiple times before the group managed to walk away.
Just minutes later, at 9:45 p.m., the situation escalated in front of the Watershed restaurant, where the second, more violent altercation occurred. This was the incident caught on video and widely shared on social media. In the footage, Callis can be seen “forcefully punching victim #1 on the left side of his head,” causing the Commanders fan to lose consciousness and collapse against a parked vehicle. The victim’s head struck the car’s door as he fell, which intensified the seriousness of the incident.
The charging documents reveal that after the video-recorded assault, two of the victims returned to the area a few minutes later to retrieve a lost cell phone. When they went back to the front of the Watershed restaurant, Callis once again approached them and assaulted two of the victims for a second time.
Following the incidents, Callis was charged with first-degree aggravated assault and three counts of second-degree assault. His actions, particularly in the viral video, sparked outrage online, with many calling for his immediate arrest.
The viral footage played a significant role in identifying Callis, leading him to turn himself in to police on Monday. He was arraigned and is currently awaiting his next court appearance.
As the investigation continues, John Callis is expected to face these charges in court. The viral video will likely play a crucial role in the legal proceedings, serving as key evidence in the case. The victims, all Commanders fans, have not provided public statements at this time.
