Entertainment TV Comedian Earthquake Speaks Out About Dave Chappelle Attack: 'People are Trying to Silence Our Voice' "Dave handled it like a pro. He is one of the greatest human beings I've ever met in my life," comedian Earthquake, who performed with Chappelle, tells PEOPLE of the onstage attack By Charmaine Patterson Charmaine Patterson Digital News Writer, PEOPLE People Editorial Guidelines and Dory Jackson Dory Jackson Instagram Twitter Website Dory Jackson is an Associate Editor for PEOPLE's digital TV team. While at the brand, she's had the opportunity to interview a long list of celebrities, from Kate Hudson to Pierce Brosnan to Billy Porter. She also recaps popular TV shows like The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Vanderpump Rules.The New York-based Maryland native graduated from Randolph-Macon College in May 2016 with a focus in Communication Studies and Journalism. She came to PEOPLE in March 2021 after working at a number of major news companies, including Newsweek and Us Weekly. She also previously co-hosted a podcast called "Idol Nation." People Editorial Guidelines Published on May 5, 2022 12:21 AM Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Paras Griffin/Getty; Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Comedian Earthquake is weighing in on the events that unfolded during Dave Chappelle's set at the Netflix Is a Joke Festival on Tuesday night. Earthquake, 58, also performed at Tuesday's show, where Chappelle was was attacked by a man who rushed the stage. In a statement to PEOPLE, Earthquake says, "It was a fantastic night, an epic night. The lineup was great and I congregated with all of the people at the show. The festival itself was a real first time that comedians got to be together in complete diversity." Sharing details of the attack and saluting Chappelle's response, Earthquake adds, "We were about to do a curtain call and this guy tackled Dave like he played for the Rams! Dave held his own and unfortunately security had to handle it. It stalled the night, but didn't stop it. The night went on. Dave handled it like a pro. He is one of the greatest human beings I've ever met in my life. I've known him for 30 years. He's a master at his craft." Netflix Champions 'Safety', Condemns 'Violence' Against Stand-Up Comics After Dave Chappelle Attack "It all amounts to this: people are really trying to silence our voice," Earthquake says. The incident occurred toward the end of Chapelle's performance when a man in a black hoodie rushed the stage at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, PEOPLE confirmed on Wednesday. For more on the Dave Chappelle story, listen below to our daily podcast PEOPLE Every Day. The man appeared to push Chappelle, knocking him to the ground. The attacker then attempted to flee, but was stopped by security guards and members of Chappelle's team. The comedian nor his security team were injured. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Police have identified the alleged attacker as 23-year-old Isaiah Lee and charged Lee with felony assault with a deadly weapon, PEOPLE confirmed. He is being held in the custody of the LAPD's Hollywood Division on a $30,000 bond. It was not immediately clear if he had retained a lawyer. In a statement shared with PEOPLE on behalf of the Hollywood Bowl, a rep for the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association stressed how seriously the organization is addressing the evolving situation. "The safety of our artists, visitors and staff is the LA Phil's top priority," a spokesperson said. "The incident that occurred at the Hollywood Bowl on May 3, 2022 remains an active investigation, and we are unable to comment further at this time," they added, redirecting further queries to the LAPD. Man Accused of Attacking Dave Chappelle Is a Rapper Who Once Released a Song Named After Comedian Deal or No Deal host and fellow comedian Howie Mandel also shared his thoughts on the attack with Extra's Billy Bush on Wednesday. "That hit... no pun intended… that hit very deeply," Mandel, 66, said, later adding, "Watching what happened to Dave last night confirmed my fear. I was watching it kind of live on Twitter and I turned to my wife and I said, 'I don't want to. I don't want to go on stage. I'm just really afraid.' " When Bush asked Mandel, who currently hosts Bullsh*t: The Game Show on Netflix, what his plans are for future comedy tours, the game show host replied in part, "The love of what we do is fading… joking now has no safety net." RELATED VIDEO: Dave Chappelle Attacked on Stage During Netflix Is a Joke Festival in Los Angeles "I'm actually going to do less because the love is not as fervent as it was, you know... six months ago," the America's Got Talent judge continued. "Because fear overtakes... and I'm a guy who, you know, lives with worry anyway... I've been open about my mental health. I am neurotic. I suffer from depression." The attack comes five weeks after Chris Rock was smacked across the face by Will Smith at the 2022 Oscars, after the comedian made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head. (Pinkett Smith, 50, has been open about living with alopecia.) Rock, 57, was also present at Tuesday night's show and performed earlier in the evening. Rock sprung into action to help Chappelle and said after the incident "I thought that was Will Smith!" Chappelle had also ended his set making jokes involving Smith, PEOPLE confirmed.