— Former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown, 37, was arrested by U.S. Marshals in Dubai on an alleged second-degree attempted murder charge tied to a May 16 shooting after a celebrity boxing event in Miami. Police say Brown was flown to Essex County, New Jersey, and is being held there pending extradition to Miami; court documents accuse him of grabbing a handgun from a security staffer and firing two shots at a man with whom he had earlier fought, one bullet grazing the victim’s neck. Prosecutors in Miami have charged Brown with a felony that carries a maximum 15-year prison term and up to a $10,000 fine if convicted. Officials have not disclosed a timetable for extradition or whether Brown has retained counsel.
Key Takeaways
- Arrest location and date: U.S. Marshals apprehended Brown in Dubai and the arrest was reported on Nov. 6, 2025.
- Allegation specifics: An arrest warrant says Brown fired two shots on May 16 after a celebrity boxing event; one bullet reportedly grazed victim Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu’s neck.
- Custody and transfer: Brown was flown to Essex County, New Jersey, and is being held there pending extradition to Miami per Miami police statements.
- Criminal exposure: The charge is second-degree attempted murder, which carries up to 15 years in prison and a possible $10,000 fine upon conviction.
- Career context: Brown played 12 NFL seasons, last appearing in 2021 for Tampa Bay, finishing with 928 receptions, more than 12,000 receiving yards and 83 touchdowns.
- Security and venue: The shooting followed a celebrity boxing match, raising questions about event security and the handling of weapons near talent and staff.
- Unclear procedural details: Public reports do not specify how long Brown had been in Dubai or why he was first flown to New Jersey before expected extradition to Miami.
Background
Antonio Brown rose to prominence during a 12-year NFL career highlighted by multiple All-Pro nods and Pro Bowl appearances, primarily with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His statistics — 928 receptions, more than 12,000 receiving yards and 83 touchdowns — place him among the most productive receivers of his era. Brown’s career and public image were already affected by high-profile incidents, including his 2021 removal from a Tampa Bay Buccaneers game when he removed his uniform on the field; that episode precipitated his release from the team and effectively ended his NFL playing days.
Off the field, Brown has faced numerous legal and civil matters in recent years: allegations ranging from battery and domestic complaints to disputes over child support and other civil claims. Those prior encounters with law enforcement and courts have shaped public and media scrutiny of any new allegations. Separately, the growth of celebrity boxing events has drawn attention to event safety protocols, security staffing and the risks when high-profile figures and alcohol or heightened emotions intersect.
Main Event
According to Miami police and an arrest warrant filed in connection with the case, the incident occurred on May 16 after a celebrity boxing card in Miami. The warrant alleges Brown took a handgun from a member of the security detail and fired two rounds at a man with whom he had earlier engaged in a fistfight. Investigators say that victim, identified as Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, reported that one bullet grazed his neck during the encounter.
Miami police spokesman Mike Vega confirmed that U.S. Marshals located and detained Brown in Dubai and that Brown was subsequently transported to Essex County, New Jersey, where he is being held pending the formal extradition process to Miami. Officials have not publicly explained the choice to bring Brown first to New Jersey instead of directly to Florida, nor have they provided a schedule for when Miami prosecutors will seek his transfer.
Court filings reviewed by authorities outline the allegations but do not, at this stage, include additional forensic detail such as ballistic matches or surveillance evidence publicly released. It remains standard in such cases for prosecutors to rely on witness statements, physical evidence and any video captured at the venue to support charging decisions and to frame extradition requests.
Analysis & Implications
Legally, a second-degree attempted murder charge requires prosecutors to show intent to commit a violent felony and an overt act toward that goal. If evidence — including witness testimony, security staff accounts and any weapon tracing — supports the allegation that Brown deliberately fired at the victim, prosecutors could pursue a serious prison sentence. The stated maximum penalty is 15 years and a $10,000 fine, but actual sentencing exposure depends on plea bargaining, the strength of evidence and state sentencing guidelines.
The international element — an arrest in Dubai and transport to Essex County for detention — highlights routine cross-border cooperation between U.S. authorities and partners abroad when suspects are located overseas. Extradition or transfer procedures can be influenced by existing treaties, the location and timing of prior travel, and logistical or legal steps required by the jurisdictions involved.
Beyond criminal exposure, Brown faces reputational and potential civil liabilities. The victim or others could pursue civil suits for assault, battery or related damages that proceed independently of criminal charges. For promoters and venues that host celebrity boxing cards, this episode is likely to increase scrutiny of security protocols, credentialing of fighters and staff, and measures to separate participants after heated exchanges.
Comparison & Data
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| NFL career | 12 seasons; 928 receptions; 12,000+ yards; 83 TDs |
| Alleged incident | May 16, 2025 shooting; two shots fired; one grazed neck |
| Charge | Second-degree attempted murder — up to 15 years, $10,000 fine |
The table summarizes Brown’s long NFL record alongside the specific allegations and statutory penalties he now faces. Comparing career accomplishments to current legal exposure demonstrates how off-field incidents can swiftly overshadow athletic legacies and invite legal consequences across criminal and civil systems.
Reactions & Quotes
“He was flown to Essex County, New Jersey, where he is being held pending extradition to Miami,”
Mike Vega, Miami police spokesman
“One of the bullets grazed his neck,”
Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu (statement to investigators)
Public reaction has been swift on social media and among sports commentators, with some calling for thorough investigation and others stressing the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. Advocacy groups focused on gun safety have pointed to the incident as another example of firearms-related harm at large public events.
Unconfirmed
- Duration in Dubai: Public records have not confirmed how long Brown had been in Dubai prior to his arrest.
- Reason for New Jersey transfer: Officials have not explained why Brown was transported first to Essex County rather than directly to Florida.
- Legal representation: It is not publicly confirmed whether Brown has retained counsel or which attorney will appear on his behalf in Miami.
Bottom Line
The arrest of Antonio Brown on an attempted murder charge marks a significant legal escalation for a former athlete whose career was already marred by controversies. The allegations — two shots fired after a May 16 celebrity boxing event and a victim with a grazing wound — expose Brown to serious criminal penalties and potential civil claims that could further complicate his finances and public standing.
Key next steps to watch are the formal extradition proceedings from Essex County to Miami, any charges or evidence filings by Miami prosecutors, and the emergence of corroborating or exculpatory material such as venue surveillance, security logs or additional witness accounts. Given the international arrest and high-profile nature of the defendant, the case is likely to draw sustained media and legal attention as it moves through the U.S. justice system.