TEMPE, AZ — A man was arrested during Saturday's performance of "Hamilton" at ASU Gammage after he refused to wear his mask, assaulted two employees, and refused to leave the venue, according to ASU Police.
Court records state that the theater's house manager noticed Connor Loretz, 32, of Maricopa, was not wearing his mask inside ASU Gammage, asked him to put it on, and offered to give him a mask to wear.
Later, Loretz was found not to have his mask on and was told by the house manager that he was not able to enter the auditorium unless he was wearing his mask.
Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, ASU Gammage has mandated that everyone wear masks inside the building, including during performances.
A spokesperson for ASU Gammage declined to comment on the incident and deferred all inquiries to ASU Police.
Watch video from the incident in the player below:
Records state that the house manager stood in front of the house door to prevent Loretz from entering. Loretz, according to the probable cause report, grabbed the manager's arm and pulled her down, which caused her to fall.
The manager got up and continued to block the doorway. Loretz then grabbed the manager's shoulder and pulled her away from the door and walked into the auditorium and took his seat, records state.
A spokesperson for ASU Police said officers arrived and "a brief struggle ensued." Loretz was eventually removed from the theater, arrested, and booked on misdemeanor charges of assault, trespassing, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest.
Loretz was released on his own recognizance. His next court date is set for Oct. 12.
