Binghamton Mayor: Fight Video “Really Was Disturbing”

Binghamton Mayor Richard David says he's viewed an extended video recording of what appears to be an after-school fight at Recreation Park on the city's West Side.

The recording was posted to Facebook last week. Two boys - who appear to be the age of middle school students - fought each other while several dozen others surrounded them.

Some of the witnesses cheered on the combatants and some held cell phones to document the confrontation.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, David said the video "really was disturbing."

Bob Joseph/WNBF News [file][/caption]David said he was particularly concerned that so many of those seen in the video were "very young."

The mayor said he's been meeting with Binghamton school Superintendent Marion Martinez to discuss issues, including incidents involving student fights away from school grounds.

David said a "partnership" between the city and the school district will be announced in the next few days.

The mayor said incidents involving students appear to be "growing in frequency." He expressed hope the initiative involving the city and school officials will help to address some of the problems.

City police have been paying special attention to Rec Park in the aftermath of reported fights and attacks on students, especially after classes have ended for the day.

David pledged the "city will be taking a much more official, aggressive stance than ever before." The mayor said the effort will be citywide and not focused on one specific area.