A concert security guard quits job after being scolded by boss for helping fan in wheelchair

A concert hero is praised after quitting his job during a Jelly Roll performance to help a wheelchair fan enjoy the show, Local 12 reported.

The touching moment happened at the Jelly Roll North Dakota State Fair concert on July 20.

Tony Demaree, a security guard stationed at the front of the stage, had one job—keep the barricade area clear for safety.

But when he noticed a concertgoer in a wheelchair struggling to see, he chose kindness over rules.

Concert hero helps wheelchair fan despite orders

Tony said a co-worker informed him that fans were no longer being kept away from the barricades.

So, he moved to a different area of the stage—and that’s when he spotted the man in the wheelchair.

“If they don’t mind if people are there, this fella needs to be where he can see,” Tony told reporters.

Acting on compassion, the security guard guided the fan to a spot in the pit where he could see clearly while still keeping a clear path for emergency access.

But shortly after, Tony’s supervisor approached him in front of a crowd and scolded him for breaking protocol.

“My boss came up to me and he said that I wasn’t doing my job and that I was incompetent,” Tony recalled.

Security guard quits the show in front of the crowd

The confrontation quickly turned into something no one expected.

As onlookers filmed the moment, Tony took off his neon vest and threw it at his boss, announcing that he was done.

Walking away wasn’t just dramatic—it struck a chord. It showed a man standing up for someone who couldn’t stand up for himself.

And in doing so, this quiet concert hero sparked a wave of emotional reactions at the fairgrounds and online.

Jelly Roll concert incident goes viral online

State Fair General Manager Craig Rudland later explained that artists often requested barricades for safety and that there was reserved handicap seating in the grandstand with some open spots at the time.

But Tony said he wasn’t told about those seats. He was trying to do what he thought was right.

Meanwhile, the Jelly Roll concert incident kept gaining attention online. TikTok user Michelle Mulligan posted a video of the security guard quitting.

In the comments, fans applauded him for being brave enough to choose empathy.

Bunnie Xo searches for the concert hero

Among the flood of support was one familiar name—Bunnie Xo, wife of Jelly Roll and host of the Dumb Blonde podcast, American Songwriter noted.

Two days after the video was posted, she left a heartfelt comment: “Hiii, do we kno [sic] how to get ahold of this security guard?”

Fans loved seeing her step in to try to reach the concert hero. One commented that Bunnie always looks out for the “little guys” when Jelly is busy.

Others said the couple never forgets their roots, no matter how famous they become.

Social media users worked quickly to find Tony, and his family is now helping connect him with Bunnie.

A second guard makes a different call

According to Michelle, the security guard who replaced Tony was given the same order—to move the wheelchair fan.

But he chose not to enforce it. “He said he couldn’t do that so he just let him,” she wrote.

Later, Michelle shared another video showing the fan enjoying Jelly Roll’s performance of “I Am Not Okay” from his improved spot in the pit.

The fan looked happy and at peace, singing along with the music.

Many viewers cheered for the replacement security guard as well. One user wrote, “Props to the 2 security guards and hope that boy had the time of his life.”

Fans call for better access at live shows

The moment didn’t just highlight human kindness—it also opened the door to bigger conversations.

People began discussing the lack of accessible seating for wheelchair users at concerts.

“As a wheelchair user the amount of venues who don’t have ADA compliant seating is crazy!!” one TikTok user commented. “Even after advocating, there is never any change to make it better.”

This security guard’s story has become a powerful reminder that small acts of courage can create big waves.

While Tony didn’t plan to be in the spotlight, his decision to help one fan see the show made him a concert hero in the eyes of thousands.

Watch the concert hero, Tony Demaree, on the news as he shares what really happened that night, and why helping a wheelchair fan meant more than following rules: