Anti-Maskers Reportedly Assaulted NYC Trader Joe’s Employees

"On July 14 at the Murray Hill location, two customers identified as John Carrero and Alejandro Escobar entered without masks, refused requests to wear them, and then violently assaulted employees: one had a mask ripped off, another was repeatedly struck in the head with a wooden paddle and required hospital treatment, and a third had their hair pulled; seven workers and three managers were attacked and the company later reported eight employees were injured but have recovered. Witnesses say one attacker yelled “Don’t make me get my gun” during the incident. The two suspects were arrested minutes after leaving and face charges including disorderly conduct, harassment, criminal trespassing, with Carrero additionally charged with second-degree assault and criminal possession of a weapon and Escobar charged with menacing. Employees told reporters they felt management failed to fully inform staff and accused the company of trying to downplay the incident to avoid scaring customers, while the company says it held multiple huddles and meetings to update staff and address security measures." - Chris Crowley