A chaotic scene unfolded at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom on October 19, as visitors stepped in to restrain a man accused of assaulting at least one woman in front of families near Casey’s Corner, a popular hot dog stand.
Orange County deputies later arrested 21-year-old Matthew Edward Cameron of Burlington, Massachusetts, for domestic battery.
Witnesses captured video of the aftermath, showing Cameron restrained on the ground by two park visitors before Disney staff and security arrived.
Here's What They're Not Telling You About Your Retirement
One man, wearing a baseball cap, kneeled on Cameron’s back while another stood nearby. When security arrived, the bystanders released Cameron, who was then surrounded by staff and led away.
Nearby, two women appeared visibly distressed, holding tissues to their bloody noses. A witness who filmed the scene told DailyMail.com, “Both women had bloody noses and were crying. I saw two small children crying and being led away by a Disney cast member.”
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Cameron’s arrest for domestic battery, describing it as “a domestic related incident between two family members.”
No further details about the alleged victims were released.
FREE Gun Law Map: Laws Don't Pause During Social Unrest
The man who filmed the incident described how Disney staff quickly moved to shield the scene from onlookers. “A swarm of staff tried to shield the chaos from onlookers and kind of built a wall in front of the incident,” he said.
He also noted that such incidents are rare at Disney parks, which he and his family visit regularly. “This was a rare occurrence at Disney, for sure,” he added.
The witness highlighted recent increases in security at Disney venues, particularly at parking garages for the Disney Springs shopping district. “In the past, we may have walked by a Disney security officer with a sniffing dog, but not all garages had a checkpoint with metal detectors. Now I believe all entrances to Disney Springs have an official security checkpoint,” he explained.
The October 19 incident comes after several high-profile disturbances at Disney parks this year.
On August 29, a fight broke out at Magic Kingdom, and the sound of a popping balloon caused widespread panic, with rumors of an active shooter spreading among guests.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office later clarified, “There is NO active shooter at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.
ALERT: There is NO active shooter at @WaltDisneyWorld’s Magic Kingdom. A fight occurred, and a “popping” sound was heard that we believe was a balloon. Guests began running and that’s how the active shooter rumor started. There is no active shooter. pic.twitter.com/TRKLs3NglC
— Orange County Sheriff's Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) August 30, 2024
A fight occurred, and a ‘popping’ sound was heard that we believe was a balloon. Guests began running, and that’s how the active shooter rumor started.”
went to magic kingdom today and there was literally a stampede because of a suspected shooter i thought that was actually going to be my last day. i was shoved out of the way and fell. mothers were crying looking for their daughters, people were hiding, it was so bad. pic.twitter.com/NATeMuwceK
— D (@anxrosa) August 30, 2024
Cameron was on vacation at Disney World with his family, including his father Edward, mother Diane, and sister Sarah. Photos posted online show the family enjoying previous trips to the theme park in recent years.
The identity of the alleged victim in this incident has not been confirmed.
The investigation is ongoing, and no further details about the case have been provided by authorities.
Join the Discussion
COMMENTS POLICY: We have no tolerance for messages of violence, racism, vulgarity, obscenity or other such discourteous behavior. Thank you for contributing to a respectful and useful online dialogue.