Connecticut Sen. Dennis Bradley blames the suspension of youth programs due to COVID-19 as a contributing factor in the assault of a teen at the Trumbull Gardens complex in Bridgeport. 

The attack was captured on cellphone video at the complex and began circulating among local teens this week, a parent tells News 12.

The video was brought to to the attention of Sen. Bradley, who says "the violent encounter is a classic example of the kind of trouble kids are getting into since youth programs were suspended due to the pandemic."

Bradley is calling for the programs to be reinstated as quickly as possible.

"We can't forget our young people who are stuck at home, who a lot of times are neglected regardless, regardless of the COVID-19 situation. These trying times have become even more of a peril for them."

The head of a Bridgeport youth program says virtual platforms are not adequate for the kind of mentoring work he does.

He says the faster the programs are reinstated, the better.