Moment student runs on stage to collect award while being chased by police

A DETERMINED STUDENT TRIED TO TAKE HIS SON ONTO STAGE TO PICK UP HIS BACHELOR'S DEGREE BUT FIRST HAD TO OUTRUN AUTHORITIES WHO WERE IN HOT PURSUIT 20:07, 21 May 2025 A student at a New

York university burst onto stage to receive a certificate with police in hot pursuit. Jean Paul Al Arab had reportedly promised his son they’d collect his diploma together when he graduated

at the University of Buffalo. The dedicated father – and student – kept his promise and patiently queued up with his child. Authorities tried to grab the pair, claiming that Al Arab's

son wasn't allowed on stage over safety concerns. In chaotic scenes that have been viewed more than eight million times on social media, Al Arab can be seen dashing onto the stage to

celebrate in front of a raucous crowd. “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. After picking up his bachelor’s degree

in criminology with his infant son, the determined Al Arab stepped offstage where a police officer waited for 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 post to TikTok. “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,” he said, talking about the large crowd inside Alumni Arena where he graduated. The graduate said he worked two

jobs, one overnight, while taking care of his son during the day while the child’s mother was out, while completing his course at the SUNY institute. “Here I am graduating with my boy by my

side. WE DID IT!” he wrote. “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 recognised for their outstanding accomplishments at UB,” the school said in a statement obtained by WGRZ. Article continues

below “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,” one person said on TikTok underneath Al

Arab’s post. “Show that kid what it means to be successful!” _FOR MORE INCREDIBLE STORIES FROM THE DAILY STAR, MAKE SURE YOU SIGN UP TO ONE OF OUR NEWSLETTERS_ _HERE_