Three employees of an Oklahoma City McDonald’s restaurant are expected to survive after being shot Wednesday night for trying to uphold the company’s safety guidelines during the coronavirus pandemic.
The alleged attack was the latest in a string of violent episodes across the country sparked by anger over social distancing restrictions that are still in effect for places like restaurants.
Establishments such as McDonald’s have relied on drive-thru or takeout service to remain open during the shutdowns that have been in effect for at least seven weeks.
So when employees told a 32-year-old female customer Wednesday night that the dining room was closed and she wouldn’t be able to eat there, police say she got into a physical fight with staff, then left and returned with a gun.
One employee was shot in the arm. Another was hit in the neck and shoulder, although officials said none of the wounds were life-threatening. A third employee was also hit by shrapnel in the side, according to ABC 13 News in Oklahoma City. Police said the third victim also suffered a head injury during the struggle with the suspect.
Oklahoma City Police Capt. Ronnie Beck confirmed the suspect “became agitated and fired two to three rounds at employees.”
The woman, who has not been identified, fled on foot but was arrested minutes later a few blocks away, according to reports. Authorities have not yet revealed what charges she faces.
McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski told “Good Morning America” on Thursday that the employees “are OK and they’re going to have a full recovery.”
“Obviously, it’s a heinous crime, particularly because these two people were trying to really support public health,” Kempczinski said. “I think what you’re seeing in this situation is really what you’re seeing in a variety of situations across the country which is this tension about opening, people’s concern about it, but there’s absolutely no excuse for violence, particularly gun violence.”
A gradual reopening of businesses began in Oklahoma on April 24. Nonessential businesses in the state were permitted to reopen May 1 as long as they follow social distancing and sanitation guidelines.
Similar health policies have sparked several angry protests and confrontations around the nation.
A week ago, hundreds angry about stay-at-home orders marched into the Michigan Capitol, some armed with rifles, and tried to force their way to the chamber floor but were blocked by state police.
Also last week in Flint, Michigan, three family members, including a husband and wife, were charged in the shooting death of a Family Dollar security guard who refused to let the woman’s daughter enter the store without a face mask.
On Tuesday, a man in Holly, Michigan, was accused of wiping his nose on a Dollar Tree clerk’s shirt when he was told to wear a mask.
On Sunday, an armed man was killed in a confrontation with police at a Florida McDonald’s after reportedly waving around a gun at the restaurant, although officials have not said whether that incident was related to anger about social distancing restrictions.
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