A night out in one of Washington, D.C.’s most LGBTQ+-friendly neighborhoods took a violent turn when a gay man claims he was attacked by Shake Shack employees after sharing a brief kiss with his boyfriend. The alleged assault, which left the victim with a concussion and facial trauma, is now under investigation as a hate crime.
Allegations of Assault at D.C. Shake Shack
A man in Washington, D.C., has accused Shake Shack employees of assault after he kissed his boyfriend while waiting for their order. The incident reportedly occurred at a Dupont Circle location late Saturday night.
Brief Kiss Leads to Confrontation
Christian Dingus, 28, was with his boyfriend and friends when the situation escalated. After briefly kissing his partner, Dingus claims a Shake Shack employee confronted them, stating that such behavior wasn’t allowed in the restaurant.
Tension Escalates Outside
The couple separated, but the situation intensified when Dingus’ partner objected to the employee’s reprimand. The argument moved outside, where Dingus says his partner was forcibly escorted out, leading to a heated exchange.
Alleged Physical Attack
Dingus claims that when he defended his partner, the employees turned their aggression toward him. According to Dingus, one worker pushed him forcefully, triggering an attack where multiple employees allegedly began hitting him.
Video Footage of the Incident
A video taken by a Shake Shack patron shows a man being shoved while others in Shake Shack uniforms punch him. The footage, about 30 seconds long, captures the confrontation but lacks audio and doesn’t show what initially sparked the altercation.
Aftermath of the Alleged Assault
Dingus says he curled up on the ground as the attack unfolded, uncertain of who eventually intervened. A female patron reportedly came to his aid, and a bystander who recorded the incident later provided him with the video, which has since been shared online.
Police Involvement After the Assault
Dingus noticed police officers nearby after the incident, but they did not intervene until the assault had ended. He later reported the incident to the authorities.
Investigation as a Hate Crime
The police are treating the case as a hate crime, categorizing the alleged offense as a simple assault with an anti-gay bias. The police report notes that Dingus claimed he was attacked by multiple individuals, while an unnamed suspect stated they were defending themselves after Dingus allegedly grabbed the person’s neck.
Shake Shack’s Response
A spokesperson for Shake Shack confirmed that the employees involved have been suspended pending a thorough investigation. The company emphasized its cooperation with authorities and commitment to appropriate actions based on the investigation’s findings.
Medical Aftermath
Following the incident, Dingus went to the emergency room, where he was diagnosed with a concussion and trauma to his jaw. He also reported swelling and bruising on the side of his face.
Incident in a Queer-Friendly Neighborhood
Dupont Circle, known for its trendy, queer-friendly atmosphere, was the site of this troubling incident. The neighborhood is often highlighted as a welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community, making the attack even more unsettling for Dingus.
Lingering Impact on Sense of Safety
The assault has deeply shaken Dingus’ sense of security. He expressed disappointment, reflecting on how the incident shattered his belief in the progress and safety of the community he once felt part of.
