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# Is The 'Knockout' Game Really A Trend?

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<!-- video src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/I847JirC.m3u8" -->
## Video: Is The 'Knockout' Game Really A Trend?

[Watch (HLS stream): Is The 'Knockout' Game Really A Trend?](https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/I847JirC.m3u8) (1:21)

![Is The 'Knockout' Game Really A Trend?](https://cdn.jwplayer.com/v2/media/I847JirC/poster.jpg?width=720)

_Published 2013-11-21. Local reports about a supposed "Knockout" game trend among teens reportedly involves total strangers knocked out with just one punch. But is it really a trend?_


---

Jul 27, 2023 3:57 PM UTC

---

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---


## Transcript

So reporters are calling this so- called knockout game a dangerous new trend. A a disturbing crime considered a game to some heartless teens, is unfortunately gaining popularity across the country. Teenagers targeting total strangers trying to knock them out with one punch. Certainly these videos are examples of random violence. Media outlets say teens call that one punch, a one hitter or quitter and supposedly they do it to post videos of the attacks online. All as a part of a popular new game, but a quick search of YouTube or Livelink, shows media reports about the trend, not uploaded videos of attacks.

And for such a supposed trend, many of the recent reports feature the exact same video over and over. And turns out that video from a 2012 incident caught on surveillance cameras of a teen attack on a Pittsburgh teacher. At the time, no one called the incident a knockout game situation, just a random act of violence. Then again, a teen charged in one attack this year told WILX he's randomly targeted and attacked people several times as a part of a game. Over all like, like six or seven, I mean we don't try to rob them or anything. Possible incidents have been reported in at least six states including New York, Missouri and Pennsylvania.

Thing is there are no real or official numbers from law enforcement to back up the idea, that this is a growing trend. For Time, I'm Christian Bryant.

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