AMC Boston Common, August 20, 2025
News Summary
A Harvard postdoctoral student was assaulted at AMC Boston Common 19 after asking a group of noisy teenagers to be quiet during a screening. The victim, Thiago Rentz, sustained facial injuries and criticized the staff’s lack of response. Boston Police are investigating the incident, while AMC emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy for violence. This event raises concerns about public safety in entertainment venues.
Boston
Harvard medical student assaulted at AMC Boston Common 19 after complaining about noisy teens
What happened: A 35-year-old postdoctoral student at Harvard Medical School was physically assaulted inside the lobby of the AMC Boston Common 19 movie theater after asking a group of teenagers to stop making noise during a screening. The attack followed an earlier disruption inside an auditorium where the group of ten patrons were clapping and screaming during a horror film.
Where and when: The incident occurred at the AMC Boston Common 19 on Tremont Street during a screening of the horror film Weapons. The assault took place late last Wednesday night, after the victim had left the auditorium to seek assistance from theater staff.
Victim and injuries: The victim, identified as Thiago Rentz, a 35-year-old postdoctoral student at Harvard Medical School, reported suffering a black eye, a minor nasal injury, and additional facial bruising. He missed two to three days of work because of those injuries and has said he no longer feels safe at the theater.
Suspects and behavior: Rentz reported that the disruptive group consisted of ten teenagers — eight males and two females. According to his account, the group ignored repeated requests to be quiet inside the auditorium, prompting him to seek help from theater management. When he and a friend attempted to leave after failing to get assistance, the group confronted them in the lobby, formed a barrier blocking the exit, and then physically assaulted Rentz. The assault is described by Rentz as lasting roughly two to three minutes, with punches directed at his face and head. The group fled the scene before law enforcement arrived.
Theater response and police action: Rentz has stated that theater staff did not address the disturbance when he asked for help. AMC has issued a statement saying the company is cooperating with the Boston Police to identify suspects and reiterated that violence is unacceptable. Boston Police have opened an investigation into the incident. Rentz and his friend reported a delay before police arrival, prompted in part by initial difficulty locating theater staff to summon help.
Immediate consequences and reactions
Rentz expressed shock and disappointment at how the situation was handled by theater personnel and the overall safety of patrons. He is calling for more accountability and improved security measures at the theater to prevent similar incidents. AMC’s public response indicates cooperation with investigators but does not provide detail on internal steps taken at the location to address security or staff response.
Context and wider concerns
The assault adds to a series of recent reports across the United States involving violent or disruptive behavior by teenagers in public venues, including movie theaters. These incidents have raised broader concerns about public safety at entertainment venues and the effectiveness of on-site security and staff intervention. The theater where this incident occurred has been previously recognized by reviewers as one of the notable venues in the city, which underscores the public interest in how such locations manage safety and customer conduct.
What officials are doing
Boston Police are actively investigating the incident and working with AMC to identify and locate the individuals involved. AMC has stated cooperation with law enforcement while emphasizing a zero-tolerance stance on violence. No public reports of arrests have been released at the time of this report.
What patrons and the public should know
- If a disruptive situation occurs, patrons are advised to seek staff assistance and, in emergencies, contact law enforcement through emergency channels.
- Documenting incidents with time, location, and descriptions of people involved can assist police and venue management in investigations.
- Physical safety is paramount; leaving a confrontation area and seeking help from multiple staff members or other patrons may be necessary if immediate staff assistance is not available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at the AMC Boston Common 19?
A patron was physically assaulted in the theater lobby after asking a group of teenagers to stop making noise during a screening. The group fled before police arrived.
Who was injured?
The injured party is a 35-year-old postdoctoral student at Harvard Medical School who reported facial injuries including a black eye and a minor nasal injury, and lost several workdays as a result.
Were any arrests made?
No arrests have been publicly reported; Boston Police are investigating and AMC is cooperating to identify suspects.
How did the theater staff respond?
The victim reported that staff did not address the disturbance when originally asked for help. AMC has since said it is working with police in the investigation.
What should patrons do if they encounter similar behavior?
Seek staff assistance immediately, document the incident if safe to do so, and contact law enforcement for emergencies. Prioritize personal safety and leave a confrontation area if necessary.
Quick reference table: Steps to take if you witness or experience violence at a theater
| Action | Who to contact | Why | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Report the disturbance | Theater staff or management | Staff can remove disruptive patrons or summon security | If staff are not available, notify multiple employees or use clearly marked help points |
| Call for emergency help | Local emergency services | For ongoing violence or serious injury | Use emergency channels appropriate to your location |
| Document the incident | Police and venue management | Helps with identification and investigation | Record time, descriptions, and any photos or videos if safe to do so |
| Seek medical attention | Medical professionals or urgent care | Treat injuries and obtain medical records | Medical documentation supports police reports and potential legal actions |
| File a police report | Local law enforcement | Official record for investigation and potential prosecution | Provide all documented evidence and witness information |
| Follow up with venue | Theater corporate or management | Request information on internal actions and security improvements | Keep records of communications and any promised remedial steps |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Criticism of Activist Efforts in Boston Immigration Debate
Investigation Underway for Sexual Assault in Harvard Square
Additional Resources
- CBS News: Boston Common AMC Theater Attacked
- Google Search: AMC Boston Common Theater Assault
- NBC Boston: Boston Common AMC Movie Theater Man Reportedly Attacked
- Wikipedia: Assault
- New York Post: Furious Harvard Researcher Claims He Was Pummeled by Group of Teens
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
