A man carrying a Palestinian flag was tackled and detained by security after running onto the field at Yankee Stadium at 9:11 p.m. on Friday, the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, during a Yankees-Mets game.
Police identified the man as Kelly Marcucci, 38, of Long Island, and charged him with misdemeanor counts of interfering with a professional sporting event and trespassing. He received a desk appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in court later, according to multiple reports.
The disruption occurred in the top of the seventh inning as the Yankees led 5-2 with the bases loaded and Francisco Lindor at the plate. Security removed Marcucci from the field, and the game resumed shortly after. Spectators above the Mets bullpen threw drinks and booed as he was escorted away, with loud chants of 'USA' filling the stadium.
Security Response and Crowd Reaction
Video footage showed Marcucci jumping over the fence from the left-field seats before sprinting toward center field. Security personnel tackled him on the outfield grass, and he was taken beyond the center-field wall. The crowd’s reaction was immediate and vocal, with some fans throwing beverages and others chanting in unison.
The New York Yankees declined to comment on the incident, according to reports. The game itself proceeded without further disruption, with the Yankees winning 6-4.
Background and Context
Marcucci’s intrusion coincided with pregame ceremonies honoring the victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks, which killed nearly 3,000 people. Members of the 2001 Yankees team, including Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, and Jorge Posada, were present for the commemorations. Across Major League Baseball, players and coaches wore caps featuring a "We Shall Never Forget" side patch, and moments of silence were observed.
The incident also unfolded amid broader commemorations of the 9/11 anniversary, including a ceremony at Jerusalem’s 9/11 Living Memorial, which includes a fragment of the World Trade Center and the names of all those killed.
Legal and Personal Details
Marcucci, who has no known prior arrests, was issued a desk appearance ticket for the charges. His jersey bore the slogan 'No Kings', a phrase associated with anti-Trump protests. Hours before the game, he posted a Facebook message that referenced capitalism, Zionism, and the 9/11 attacks, mentioning political figures such as Donald Trump and Joe Rogan.
The New York Police Department confirmed the charges, while additional details about how Marcucci evaded initial security measures were not immediately available. The disruption lasted approximately 30 seconds before play resumed with Lindor striking out on a line drive back to the pitcher.