Chaotic Scene Unfolds as NY Graduate is Chased on Stage by Cops While Holding Infant Son [WATCH]

In a now-viral and emotional moment that captured the hearts of millions, Jean Paul Al Arab, a University at Buffalo graduate and devoted father, defied school rules to keep a heartfelt promise to his infant son: that they would walk across the graduation stage together.

The chaotic and touching scene unfolded Sunday at the university’s Alumni Arena during the College of Arts and Sciences undergraduate commencement ceremony.

As the final graduates’ names were called, Al Arab — holding his young son dressed in a miniature cap and gown — ran onto the stage with security and police in pursuit. The video of the incident has since amassed over 8 million views online.

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“I ran, that’s what I did. I had to. I promised him I was gonna walk with him on the stage,” Al Arab told WGRZ.

Image Credit: WGRZ 2 via Courtesy University at Buffalo

Al Arab’s act of defiance came after he said school officials reversed an earlier agreement that would have allowed him to carry his son across the stage.

According to the graduate, during a preparatory session for the ceremony, he was given the green light to walk with his child. But when the moment arrived, school officials and police attempted to stop him.

“During a prep class for commencement, I asked if I could walk with my baby and they told me it was fine,” Al Arab shared in a TikTok post.

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“When the time came, they tried to stop me and even called the police. They tried to escort me out, but honestly, the only reason they let me go was because all of you who cheered and supported me.”

Dressed in a matching cap and gown, Al Arab’s son became an unexpected highlight of the graduation as the father held him tightly and made his way across the stage.

Image Credit: WGRZ 2 via Courtesy University at Buffalo

Al Arab managed to shake hands with administrators before exiting, with a police officer visibly waiting behind him.

The university later released a statement defending its decision to bar children from the stage, citing safety and fairness.

“Commencement rules are in place for the safety of all those in attendance and to avoid disruptions in the venue, ensuring each graduate is equally provided with a well-deserved moment to individually cross the stage and be recognized for their outstanding accomplishments at UB,” the University at Buffalo said in a statement to WGRZ.

Despite the school’s position, many in the audience rallied behind Al Arab. As security tried to intervene, the crowd erupted in cheers, applause, and even boos directed at the police officers.

Image Credit: WGRZ 2 via Family Handout

That public show of support, Al Arab says, is what allowed the moment to happen.

Al Arab’s journey to graduation was anything but easy. A full-time student, he juggled two jobs — including an overnight shift — and cared for his son during the day while the child’s mother worked.

His resilience and determination were on full display in that one unforgettable walk across the stage.

“Here I am graduating with my boy by my side. WE DID IT!” Al Arab wrote online.

He clarified that he had officially graduated in fall 2024 and already received his diploma but was participating in the spring commencement to experience the ceremony.

The flood of online support has only grown since the video surfaced.

One TikTok user wrote, “You put in the work and I am sure the (money). If you want to walk wit the thing that drove you to succeed, there shouldn’t be a problem. Show that kid what it means to be successful!”

Others questioned the university’s inconsistent enforcement.

Image Credit: WGRZ 2

“It’s so strange they tried stopping you when they allow mothers to walk with their baby all the time,” another commenter noted.

Another viral comment targeted the officer on stage: “The police officer could have at least moved out the way since you had already made it that far.”

As for the little boy in the cap and gown, he didn’t receive a diploma that day.

“He was a few credits shy of graduation standards,” the university joked, adding, “We hope to see him back on stage in about 20 years so he can follow in his dad’s footsteps.”

In the end, Jean Paul Al Arab’s defiant, love-fueled dash across the stage became more than just a viral video — it was a bold testament to fatherhood, perseverance, and the promises that matter most.

WATCH THE VIDEO:

@jeanpaul_alarab I’m a full-time student, working two jobs—one of them overnight—and taking care of my son during the day until his mom gets home from work. And here I am, graduating, with my boy by my side. WE DID IT! #ub #comencement #baby #graduation ♬ original sound – NFL

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