Frantic video shows the moment a bull broke out of its pen and charged into the stands at a Florida rodeo Saturday, sending panicked spectators running for cover.
Chaos erupted at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa after the animal knocked over a fence and began running wild, according to footage shot by a crowd member.
The bull clambered over a fence and into the crowd as onlookers screamed and scrambled out of their seats.
“Stay calm!” yelled an announcer over a loudspeaker amid the pandemonium. “Stay calm, everybody!”
The panicked animal then headed toward another section of the crowd before it was lassoed by a quick-acting cowboy on horseback and restrained.
The bull was eventually guided back onto the rodeo ground.
An escaped bull ran over a fence and into a crowd at a Florida rodeo. Christopher Thornton via StoryfuThe unnamed savior was treated to a round of applause after order was restored.
“That guy that lassoed the bull should never have to buy a drink in this town ever again. He probably saved a life or two with that perfect grab!” one admirer wrote on YouTube.
The man who recorded the video, Christopher Thornton, also paid his respects.
“This was my first time attending a rodeo and it won’t be my last. Hats off to that cowboy, his amazing horse, and his throw,” he told Storyful.
There were no injuries.
