Def Leppard Drummer Rick Allen Recovering From Head Injury After Violent Attack in Florida

Rick Allen, the drummer in the UK's rock band Def Leppard in the '80s, has issued his first public statement since he was assaulted outside a hotel in Florida on Thursday night.

According to The Guardian, Allen suffered a concussion during a violent attack outside the Four Seasons hotel in Fort Lauderdale, roughly 20 miles north of Miami Beach.

In an Instagram post, the 59-year-old drummer thanked followers for their "overwhelming support" and said he was "focusing on healing."

Allen's statement follows the weekend curfew that Miami Beach authorities imposed due to two fatal shootings and rowdy spring break crowds.

Allen was violently attacked while smoking outside the hotel and was knocked to the ground. The investigation has led to the battery charge against Max Edward Hartley, 19.

Allen was in Fort Lauderdale with Def Leppard to play a show for their 40th-anniversary tour. In 1984, the Def Leppard drummer lost his left arm in a car accident.

Florida Hotel Attack that Injured Def Leppard Drummer Rick Allen

Outside the Four Seasons hotel near the valet, the Def Leppard drummer was smoking a cigarette when Max Edward Hartley, hiding behind a pole, allegedly ran at Rick Allen and knocked him over.

According to the police report, Allen hit his head on the ground after falling and received medical attention, Fox News reported.

After Allen was attacked, a woman tried to help, but Hartley allegedly attacked the woman, knocking her to the ground, and continued hitting her.

She managed to get back into the hotel, but Hartley chased her and dragged her outside by her hair. The 19-year-old fled but was caught later.

The nearby Florida hotel employees reportedly spotted him walking around the parking garage while allegedly vandalizing cars, prompting police to intervene.

Allen told police that he wanted the attacker to face legal action. Hartley was charged with one count of abusing an elderly or disabled person without great harm.

Florida's Violent Spring Break

The mayor of Miami Beach declared a state of emergency and imposed a curfew on Sunday after two shootings and "excessively huge and disorderly crowds."

"In response to the two shootings and the excessively large and unruly crowds, and to mitigate dangerous and illegal conduct, the City of Miami Beach has ordered a state of emergency and an 11:59 p.m. curfew to take effect on Sunday, March 19, 2023, through 6 a.m. Monday, March 20, 2023," the statement said.

"The city will hold a special commission meeting on Monday afternoon to discuss potential restrictions beyond Monday," it added.

A person was fatally shot, and another was injured on Friday as the Miami shooting erupted in South Beach, a famous destination for St. Patrick's Day and Spring Break celebrations.

According to authorities, four guns were found at the scene. One person was also fatally shot, and another was hurt Sunday morning, according to Miami Beach Police.

The curfew restrictions require businesses to close at midnight except for hotels that can stay open to serve customers.

According to the city's press release, the curfew will not apply to residents, persons traveling to and from work, emergency services personnel, or hotel guests, adding that restaurants may remain open solely for delivery.

Despite the attack and head injury, Rick Allen continued to play as Def Leppard's drummer. During the weekend, the band reportedly shared the stage with Mötley Crüe in Hollywood, Florida.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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