A campus celebration in Milwaukee took an unfortunate turn last weekend when a party near Marquette University spiraled out of control. Gathered for National Marquette Day, hundreds of students congregated in an alley adjacent to 17th Street and Kilbourn Avenue. Footage from the event revealed a chaotic scene with participants surrounding and damaging a vehicle. A senior student at Marquette, Kitan Adebowale, reported calling law enforcement to assist in removing the car, which belonged to his roommate, a junior at UW-Milwaukee. The situation escalated as the police intervened, making several arrests without disclosing the exact number. The incident left the vehicle heavily damaged, leading to significant repair costs. Six days later, Marquette University issued a safety alert urging students to provide any relevant information to aid ongoing investigations.

The gathering, initially meant to celebrate National Marquette Day, quickly devolved into chaos. Video footage captured by attendees showed a dense crowd encircling a BMW, engaging in destructive behavior. Participants were seen jumping on and dancing atop the vehicle, causing substantial damage. Adebowale expressed his frustration, noting that he attempted to contact the authorities to safely remove the car from the scene. Despite these efforts, the situation deteriorated further as the vehicle was attacked while being driven away, resulting in shattered windows and frame damage. The total repair cost amounted to $8,494, a significant financial burden for Adebowale's roommate who had invested considerable time and effort into purchasing and maintaining the vehicle.

The aftermath of the event has sparked concern within the university community. Marquette University Police Department (MUPD) responded promptly to the disturbance, arresting multiple individuals involved in unlawful activities. Kevin Conway, Associate Director of University Communication, stated that MUPD is actively investigating additional suspects to ensure accountability. The university administration has taken steps to address the incident by issuing a safety update to all students, encouraging them to report any information that could assist in the investigation. This proactive approach aims to prevent similar occurrences and maintain campus safety.

In response to the extensive damage sustained by the vehicle, Adebowale's roommate has turned to crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe to seek financial assistance for repairs. The emotional toll of the incident is evident, as Adebowale highlighted the hardship faced by his roommate, emphasizing the personal investment in the car. The university's timely communication and call for cooperation reflect a commitment to fostering a secure environment for its students. As the investigation continues, it underscores the importance of responsible behavior during campus events.