A 16-year-old cosplayer dressed as Resident Evil’s HUNK was arrested on August 30 near Stamford Bridge stadium in London after police suspected him of carrying a firearm. Authorities later confirmed the weapon was a fake MP5 prop gun, but the incident quickly went viral, sparking debates about cosplay safety.
Arrest Near Stamford Bridge
The teenager was reportedly attending the London Anime & Gaming Convention when the arrest took place. According to Metropolitan Police, he was detained “on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm” after being seen displaying the prop weapon while walking toward a crowded area.
At the time of the arrest, a Chelsea vs. Fulham football match was happening at Stamford Bridge, with thousands of bystanders nearby. The sight of the replica firearm understandably raised alarm, especially in light of past mass shooting fears.
Media Confusion
Initial reports mistakenly framed the arrest as an attempted mass shooting, but police quickly denied this claim. As of 2:30 PM GMT, the teen remained in custody, though it’s unclear if formal charges will be filed.
An image circulating online was initially believed to show the arrested cosplayer, but it was later confirmed to be an older photo from Reddit (2022), not linked to the current incident.
Who is HUNK in Resident Evil?
For fans, the character HUNK is a cult favorite. First appearing in Resident Evil 2 (1998), HUNK is a mysterious Umbrella operative known for his gas mask, red lenses, and signature MP5 weapon. His identity remains hidden, which has only fueled his popularity across nine Resident Evil titles.
Cosplay, Props, and Public Safety
This isn’t the first time a fan has been arrested due to realistic costumes or prop weapons. Similar incidents have happened with cosplayers dressed as Stormtroopers or Fallout characters. While orange safety tips are often used on replica guns, it remains unclear whether the 16-year-old’s prop had this marking.
The arrest has reignited discussion about cosplay regulations, prop weapon safety, and public awareness. While the cosplayer was not armed with a real firearm, the situation shows how quickly misunderstandings can escalate—especially in crowded public spaces.