Aliquippa, Pa. — Authorities recently announced charges against two men in a violent incident at a local Veterans of Foreign Wars post, where a man was severely beaten in what police described as an unprovoked attack. The altercation, captured on surveillance footage at the Aliquippa VFW Post 3577, lasted approximately 30 minutes and resulted in serious injuries for the victim.
Brett Ours, 39, initially faced attempted homicide charges following the release of video evidence showing his prolonged assault on the victim on a Sunday night. Police detailed how Ours used a bar stool to assault and strangle the seemingly defenseless man, who was mostly unconscious during the ordeal. According to police reports, the victim was later air-lifted to a hospital with significant injuries.
As the investigation proceeded, a second individual, Ronald Brown, 43, became implicated. Police stated that Brown entered the bar while the attack was ongoing, noticed the victim’s helpless state, and proceeded to join in the assault. Video footage reportedly shows Brown punching the victim repeatedly in the head, neck, and face as Ours held the man down.
Authorities recounted that after assaulting the victim, Brown wiped his hands and continued to observe Ours’s continued violence towards the injured man. Brown later justified his involvement by claiming the victim had made derogatory remarks about his daughter prior to the assault. Police, however, have found no evidence to support this claim and emphasized that it does not excuse the violent actions taken.
Following the incident, Brown surrendered himself to the authorities on Thursday afternoon. He currently faces charges of liability for another’s conduct, aggravated assault, and simple assault. Meanwhile, Ours has eluded capture, prompting police to seek assistance from the public in locating him.
In the wake of the incident, the management of VFW Post 3577 announced on social media that the venue would be closed indefinitely, citing the need for a thorough review and reassessment of security measures to ensure patrons’ safety.
The violent event has triggered a broader discussion about safety in communal gathering spots, particularly those meant to serve as safe havens for veterans. Community leaders and veteran affairs advocates are calling for stronger safeguards and more rigorous enforcement of conduct standards within these establishments to prevent such incidents in the future.
As this case continues to unfold, local residents and veteran groups express shock and outrage, urging for swift justice and increased security protocols to ensure a similar incident does not occur again. The community awaits further developments as authorities press on with their investigation and manhunt for Brett Ours.