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William Kennedy

Massachusetts mom confronts Brockton mayor at high school graduation: ‘You know what you did to my daughter’

A Massachusetts mother interrupted a high school graduation ceremony in Brockton on June 6, confronting Mayor Moises Rodrigues, who was there to deliver a commencement address. A video captured the moment and has now gone viral on social media.

The incident occurred at Marciano Stadium during Brockton High School’s commencement ceremony in Brockton, about 25 miles south of Boston. Video recorded by Brockton Community Access Television shows the woman running toward the stage while Rodrigues addressed graduates.

According to multiple local reports, she repeatedly shouted, “You know what you did to my daughter.” Officers stopped the woman before she reached the podium and escorted her away from the ceremony.

Judge issued ‘harassment prevention order’ two days later

Rodrigues continued speaking as police removed her from the field. According to Brockton police, the graduation proceeded without further incident. No arrests were made.

According to the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts State Police are investigating a formal complaint filed by a student and the student’s parents regarding Rodrigues. Prosecutors have not publicly disclosed the specific allegations. The investigation remains active, and authorities have released few details about the complaint.

Rodrigues addressed the matter in a statement released through his office. He said the issue stems from an interaction during Brockton’s Huntington Day Parade on May 22.

“At the Huntington Day Parade, someone brought to my attention that I interacted with a student that made the student uncomfortable,” Rodrigues said in a statement reported by local media. His office added that he has cooperated with Brockton Public Schools regarding the matter.

Court records also show that a judge issued a harassment prevention order against Rodrigues two days after the graduation ceremony. According to Boston.com, the order requires the mayor to remain 100 yards away from the student involved.

Because the matter involves a juvenile, court officials have not released the underlying documents to the public. A hearing is scheduled for June 22 to review the order.

Rodrigues has denied any intentional wrongdoing. He told The Enterprise before the harassment prevention order was issued that he did not know the student or the student’s family and said he had “absolutely, positively, no clue” who they were. He also stated that he chose not to hand out diplomas during graduation to avoid potential contact with the student.

The mayor further told The Enterprise that he comes from a culture where greeting people with handshakes and personal interactions is common. He said he was sorry the student felt uncomfortable and insisted he had no intention of harming or upsetting anyone.

As of June 11, authorities have not announced any criminal charges against Rodrigues. State police continue to investigate the complaint, and officials have not released additional information about the allegations.

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