Former NFL Player Antonio Brown Wanted For Attempted Murder in Miami

On the night of May 16, 2025, chaos erupted outside a celebrity boxing event in Miami’s Little Haiti neighborhood, thrusting former NFL star Antonio Brown back into national headlines.

The 36-year-old wide receiver, once celebrated for his dynamic play on the field, became the focus of an intense police investigation after gunshots rang out amid a crowd of fans, fighters, and security personnel.

According to an arrest warrant, witnesses and video footage placed Brown at the center of a brawl that escalated from a fistfight into something far more dangerous.

Multiple patrons reported seeing Brown grab a handgun from a security guard during the altercation and fire two shots at a man identified as Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, a person Brown had known since 2022.

Nantambu later told police that one bullet grazed his neck, sending him to the hospital for treatment and leaving him in fear for his life.

Police responded swiftly after gunshot-detection technology triggered alerts, but initially found no victims and, after detaining and patting down Brown—who was not carrying a weapon at the time—they released him.

Two spent shell casings and an empty holster were recovered at the scene, while cell phone and surveillance videos from the event circulated rapidly across social media platforms.

The Miami Police Department issued a warrant for Brown’s arrest on charges of attempted second-degree murder with a firearm, setting a $10,000 bond and stipulating house arrest if he is released before trial.

Brown, for his part, took to social media the following day to claim he was the true victim, saying he was “jumped by multiple individuals who tried to steal my jewelry and cause physical harm to me.”

The investigation quickly gathered steam, as new evidence and witness interviews supported the allegations against the former Pro Bowler.

Miami authorities confirmed on June 13 that Brown had not yet turned himself in, and as the search intensified, the sporting world braced for another chapter in the troubled star’s saga.

The confrontation outside the Miami boxing event was not merely the result of eyewitness testimony but was meticulously reconstructed through surveillance camera footage and videos posted online.

Detectives reviewing the footage saw Brown punch Nantambu with a closed fist, inciting a wider melee involving several bystanders until security intervened to break up the brawl.

As the crowd separated, Brown appeared on video to retrieve a black firearm from the hip of a security staff member—a moment confirmed by both surveillance and cell phone recordings.

He then chased Nantambu outside the venue, firearm in hand, and fired two shots as he closed in, with one bullet grazing Nantambu’s neck, according to police.

In statements to investigators, Nantambu positively identified Brown as his assailant and described the harrowing moments leading up to the gunfire, confirming a relationship with Brown dating back to 2022.

Though Brown was not immediately arrested, the combination of physical evidence, digital recordings, and multiple witness statements formed the basis for a second-degree attempted murder charge.

Cell phone video widely shared on social media showed Brown advancing toward Nantambu and firing the gun at close range, a detail that was corroborated by witnesses at the scene.

Following these revelations, a judge signed the arrest warrant, outlining the seriousness of the charge—a felony carrying up to 15 years in prison and a hefty fine.

The case quickly became headline news, with media outlets and NFL fans alike dissecting every detail of the incident and Brown’s subsequent social media explanations.

Law enforcement has since called for Brown to surrender, emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing and that further legal action will depend on his cooperation.

The release of these videos and the widespread discussion online have fueled public debate over the intersection of celebrity, violence, and accountability in high-profile criminal cases.

Antonio Brown’s response to the incident was swift and public, as he attempted to reframe the narrative by casting himself as a victim rather than an aggressor.

On his X (formerly Twitter) account, Brown insisted that he had been attacked by multiple people seeking to steal his jewelry and cause him harm.

He described being “jumped” during the melee and explained that police temporarily detained him only to hear his side of the story before letting him go without arrest.

“Contrary to some video circulating,” Brown wrote, “Police temporarily detained me until they received my side of the story and then released me. I WENT HOME THAT NIGHT AND WAS NOT ARRESTED.”

Brown further stated his intent to pursue charges against those he said attacked him, though this claim did not sway authorities or alter the direction of the criminal investigation.

The social media post failed to mention the gunshots or the subsequent injury to Nantambu, details that soon became central to the case as evidence mounted.

In the days following the incident, public opinion was sharply divided—some supporting Brown’s claims of self-defense, others pointing to a long history of erratic behavior and legal issues.

Brown’s silence on the most critical elements of the warrant—the firearm, the shooting, and the injuries—fueled speculation and cast doubt on his version of events.

Meanwhile, the Miami Police Department and Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office pressed forward, emphasizing that the weight of evidence demanded Brown’s surrender.

As the story spread, Brown’s name trended online, and both sports and news media ramped up coverage, highlighting the former star’s ongoing struggles and the gravity of the accusations.

With a warrant now in effect, the pressure on Brown to cooperate with authorities has intensified, leaving his next steps uncertain.

The incident marks a dramatic escalation in Brown’s turbulent post-NFL career, placing him once again at the center of a national controversy.

The attempted murder charge marks the latest—and most serious—in a long line of legal battles that have haunted Antonio Brown in recent years.

Brown, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and one-time Super Bowl champion, has faced accusations ranging from domestic violence and battery to failure to pay child support and sexual assault allegations.

In 2019, a former trainer accused him of sexual assault, resulting in a high-profile lawsuit that was ultimately settled out of court two years later, though Brown consistently denied the allegations.

A 2020 incident in Florida led to Brown pleading no contest to felony burglary with battery and misdemeanor charges after an altercation with a moving truck driver outside his home.

The sentence included probation, community service, and mandatory anger management, underscoring the seriousness with which the court regarded his repeated run-ins with the law.

NFL disciplinary actions soon followed, as Brown was suspended for multiple games due to violations of the league’s personal conduct policy.

Even his football career ended under a cloud of controversy, with his dramatic mid-game exit during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 2021 regular-season finale becoming an enduring viral moment.

Brown was subsequently released by the team, ending a tumultuous stretch that had seen him play for the Steelers, Raiders, Patriots, and Buccaneers.

His continued off-field problems, including repeated detentions, lawsuits, and probation violations, have made it difficult for him to escape the shadow of scandal.

Friends and former teammates, including Tom Brady, have publicly called for compassion and mental health support, while also recognizing the destructive impact of his actions.

As Brown now faces the possibility of a lengthy prison term, his legacy in the NFL is overshadowed by a criminal record and a series of personal crises.

Details of the shooting incident have emerged through police reports, surveillance footage, and eyewitness testimony, painting a chaotic picture of the events in Miami that night.

Brown attended a celebrity boxing match, where tensions escalated quickly into a physical confrontation with Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, a man with whom he had a prior acquaintance.

The altercation began with a fistfight, captured by cameras as Brown struck Nantambu, prompting others to join the fray and security to step in.

During the scuffle, Brown was seen on video retrieving a firearm from a security staffer’s hip—a pivotal moment that shifted the event from a brawl to a potentially deadly encounter.

Witnesses described Brown chasing Nantambu out of the immediate area and firing two shots at him, with at least one bullet narrowly missing its target and grazing Nantambu’s neck.

Patrons fled in panic as the gunshots echoed through the venue, and ShotSpotter gunshot-detection technology alerted authorities to the violence.

By the time police arrived, Brown had been detained but was found unarmed, and the initial lack of a victim led officers to release him on the scene.

Investigators subsequently pieced together the timeline through witness statements, videos posted online, and forensics collected from the scene, including shell casings and a discarded gun holster.

As more information emerged, it became clear that the situation had been far more serious than originally reported, prompting the issuance of a warrant for Brown’s arrest.

The victim, Nantambu, required medical attention and later shared with police his account of the terrifying moments and his longstanding relationship with Brown.

This comprehensive account has been central to the case and to the mounting public interest in what might come next for the embattled athlete.

Antonio Brown’s arrest warrant sent shockwaves through the sports world, reigniting debates about athlete conduct, league discipline, and the challenges of post-career transitions.

Brown’s trajectory—from NFL stardom to criminal allegations—has become a case study in the pressures facing professional athletes and the consequences of unchecked personal struggles.

Teams and leagues have faced scrutiny for their handling of Brown’s numerous incidents, with some critics arguing that greater intervention might have changed the outcome.

Brown’s supporters, including former teammates, have spoken publicly about his talent and the need for compassion, while others emphasize accountability for his repeated legal and ethical transgressions.

The NFL, in particular, has had to respond to a wave of negative publicity surrounding Brown’s actions, raising questions about player support systems and the league’s disciplinary processes.

For fans, the saga is a painful reminder of the thin line between sports heroism and personal downfall, especially when fame, fortune, and unchecked behavior intersect.

Brown’s case has also reignited broader conversations about mental health, trauma, and the resources available to athletes during and after their playing days.

His dramatic exit from the NFL in 2021 and his subsequent off-field troubles continue to dominate headlines, overshadowing even his most impressive on-field achievements.

With a potential 15-year prison sentence hanging over him, Brown’s story is now less about football and more about justice, redemption, and the possibility of lasting change.

As the sports community processes the latest developments, the debate over celebrity privilege, athlete support, and public responsibility is more relevant than ever.

Authorities in Miami and across the national media have moved swiftly to address the seriousness of the allegations against Antonio Brown.

The Miami Police Department, aided by ShotSpotter technology and witness reports, launched an immediate investigation and began collecting video evidence and forensic material from the crime scene.

Off-duty officers serving as event security provided crucial details, confirming that Brown was identified as the shooter by multiple attendees before his brief detention.

As the investigation advanced, detectives obtained surveillance footage and cell phone videos showing Brown’s actions before, during, and after the altercation.

Police filed for and received an arrest warrant, signed by a judge and calling for Brown’s detention on $10,000 bond and house arrest if released pending trial.

Authorities have repeatedly urged Brown to surrender, emphasizing that his cooperation will be a key factor in resolving the case and ensuring due process.

Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office confirmed the seriousness of the charge—attempted second-degree murder with a firearm—a felony carrying significant prison time and financial penalties.

Law enforcement has kept the public updated on the status of the investigation while withholding some details due to the ongoing nature of the legal proceedings.

At the time of the latest reports, Brown had yet to turn himself in, and authorities made clear that further steps would be taken if he continued to evade arrest.

As the case proceeds, all eyes remain on both law enforcement’s next moves and Brown’s decision to comply with the legal process.

News of the arrest warrant for Antonio Brown dominated national headlines, sparking debate across sports, news, and social media platforms.

Major outlets like CNN, NBC News, ESPN, the Associated Press, and the Los Angeles Times published in-depth reports, each adding new details to the evolving story.

Television and online segments replayed footage from the chaotic boxing event, as analysts and commentators debated both the criminal case and its broader significance.

Public opinion was split, with some fans expressing disbelief and disappointment, while others called for greater understanding of Brown’s mental health and personal struggles.

Comment sections and forums lit up with speculation, rumor, and argument about the facts of the case, Brown’s past, and the potential outcome of the trial.

Sports figures, celebrities, and activists joined the conversation, highlighting the intersection of celebrity, violence, and accountability.

The case’s high-profile nature amplified calls for reform, with advocates urging leagues and teams to better support players facing personal or psychological challenges.

Others focused on the responsibilities of star athletes and the consequences of unchecked behavior in the glare of the public spotlight.

Media coverage has also included reminders of Brown’s on-field greatness, juxtaposed with his off-field controversies, underscoring the complexities of his legacy.

As new updates emerge, the case remains a major topic of national conversation, reflecting the persistent fascination with the rise and fall of sports icons.

With an arrest warrant active and a second-degree attempted murder charge looming, Antonio Brown’s legal fate hangs in the balance.

If apprehended or if he surrenders, Brown will face bond conditions, house arrest, and an upcoming trial where prosecutors are expected to present a detailed case based on witness accounts, video footage, and forensic evidence.

Defense attorneys, should Brown retain them, are likely to argue self-defense or diminished responsibility, referencing his account of being attacked and the chaotic circumstances of the incident.

The prosecution, however, will focus on the seriousness of the firearm offense and the threat to Nantambu’s life, especially given the close-range gunfire and corroborated witness statements.

Brown’s history of prior legal troubles and NFL suspensions will inevitably color public perception and potentially influence proceedings, though the court will be tasked with focusing strictly on the facts at hand.

If convicted, Brown faces a potential 15-year sentence and a $10,000 fine, consequences that could end any hope of a return to public or professional life.

As the investigation continues, legal analysts predict a high-stakes, closely watched trial, with both sides preparing for a battle that may set precedents for the treatment of high-profile defendants.

Supporters and detractors alike are bracing for a protracted legal process, knowing that the ultimate outcome will reverberate through sports, media, and the justice system.

The case will test the limits of celebrity accountability, the strength of the evidence, and the impartiality of the courts.

No matter the verdict, Brown’s future—and his place in sports history—will be shaped by the proceedings in Miami’s courtrooms.

As Antonio Brown’s case heads to court, his future both on and off the field remains profoundly uncertain.

A player once celebrated for his speed, hands, and highlight-reel touchdowns now faces the stark reality of life as a defendant in a serious felony case.

The attempted murder charge is a turning point, representing the culmination of years of controversy, personal struggle, and repeated legal issues that have defined his post-NFL life.

Brown’s supporters hope for a fair trial and opportunities for redemption, pointing to moments of greatness and calls for compassion from former teammates.

Critics, however, see a pattern of escalating behavior and believe that justice must be served, regardless of fame or past achievements.

The NFL community watches with a mixture of sadness, frustration, and concern, mindful that Brown’s fate serves as a cautionary tale for athletes everywhere.

Mental health professionals and advocates stress the importance of treatment, support, and accountability, recognizing that celebrity alone cannot shield anyone from the consequences of violence.

The trial and its aftermath will define Brown’s legacy—whether as a story of wasted talent or a rare chance for rehabilitation and change.

For now, the football world can only wait, watching as the next chapter in Antonio Brown’s turbulent life unfolds under the harshest of spotlights.

The outcome will not only determine Brown’s freedom but will also serve as a litmus test for the intersection of celebrity, law, and personal responsibility in American society.