Shocking surveillance footage has captured the moment a man launched a vicious, racially-motivated attack on a group of helpless senior citizens at a community centre in the United States.
Violent Rampage at Multi-Generational Centre
The incident occurred on Wednesday at the Escalante Multi-Generational Center in Tempe, Arizona. According to reports from AZ Family, Derek Carl Kirven, a 62-year-old black man, initially attempted to access a members-only recreational area. After being informed that meals were reserved for members, a staff member tried to sign him up, but Kirven left the premises.
He returned approximately two hours later and entered the restricted dining area again, where around 20 people were eating. After being told once more to leave, Kirven suddenly erupted in violence, attacking the elderly patrons around him.
Multiple Victims Injured in Sustained Assault
His rampage resulted in severe injuries for multiple victims. One victim suffered a broken nose, while another sustained a broken wrist. Surveillance video showed Kirven, wearing distinctive red trousers, punching a small group before running to a larger table, with an employee chasing him.
The footage depicts him yelling at the employee before punching her in the face. He then moved around the table to attack more people, knocking a woman off her walker and onto the floor, where she remained for much of the assault. In a desperate act of defence, another person picked up a chair to ward off Kirven, later throwing the furniture at him. This action reportedly angered Kirven, who picked up the chair and hurled it back at the individual.
In total, at least 12 elderly diners were attacked, with an employee and at least six others confirmed to have been injured. One victim was knocked to the ground, suffering a head injury.
Racist Motivation and Criminal History Revealed
Security personnel managed to detain Kirven until police arrived. During subsequent interviews with officers, Kirven admitted to targeting white people and Mexicans, reportedly stating he was not allowed in the centre because he was black, according to court documents.
He further demonstrated his racist animus by using racial slurs against his victims and directing derogatory language towards a Hispanic detective working the case. Kirven also referred to another detective as 'white trash' and a 'confederate'.
Kirven has a significant criminal history. Public records indicate prior charges in New Mexico and previous convictions for kidnapping and assaulting police officers.
He was arrested on multiple charges, including aggravated assault, disorderly conduct, trespassing, and criminal damage. The investigation remains ongoing, and The Daily Mail has contacted both the Escalante Multi-Generational Center and Tempe Police for further comment.
