February 17, 2010
The AC Transit Bus fight is a viral video clip of an altercation between a white man who claims to be 67-years-old and a younger black man aboard a bus, which took place on Monday, February 15, 2010, approximately 3:00 P.M. PST in Oakland, California, United States.

A video of the confrontation posted on YouTube soon went "viral" and as of February 21, 2010 has received 2.7 million views on various blogs and websites. It ranked among the top 5 most viewed videos on YouTube in its first week, but was not included in the official list. Numerous racially-charged comments were left on the YouTube page. The event raised concerns following a number of previous incidents involving violence on the public transport system in Oakland.

The incident took place on a downtown Oakland Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) bus, and involved a black male, identified only as Michael, and an older white bearded man identified as Thomas Alexander Bruso, who later came to be referred to as "Epic Beard Man".

Bruso is seen wearing a blue T-shirt that reads "I AM... a Motherf*cker" on the back. He exchanges words with Michael who sits across from him before moving to a seat at the other end of the bus. The verbal sparring continues and Michael follows Bruso to the front of the bus. Some riders try to discourage the black man from attacking the white man. Other riders on the bus encourage the black man to attack the seated white man, the person filming the video was found to be the person using the racial slur against the white man. The black man hits Bruso, who then retaliates with several quick blows, knocking the black man to the floor of the bus. The black man is revealed to be bleeding from facial injuries. Bruso then exits the bus, when it stops at Harrison and Webster Street near Lake Merritt. The black videographer offers to help the black man by letting him use the videotape for legal purposes if he wishes to sue. She also runs up to where Bruso sat and grabs his bag, carrying it to the back of the bus, where voices can be heard discussing "going through" Bruso's belongings.

In a second video, Bruso, now on the street, continues to yell about the fight. He loudly mentions Vietnam and kicks a newspaper dispenser before walking away.

Both men were hospitalized for their injuries. Bruso also underwent psychiatric evaluation at John George Psychiatric Pavilion in San Leandro. Neither man was arrested.

Watch Video: