Three tourists from Texas assaulted a restaurant hostess in New York City after she asked to see their proof of vaccination.
The incident took place at Carmine’s on the Upper West Side. Police say the 24-year old restaurant employee was “repeatedly punched” and suffered lacerations to her face, jaw, and back after a “verbal dispute over vaccine cards.”
“This turned into a mess. And from there, it’s inexcusable, it’s ridiculous,” Carmine’s owner Jeff Banks told a local CBS affiliate. Two other restaurant employees who tried to stop the fracas experienced minor injuries.
The three Texas women – Kaeita Nkeenge Rankin, 44; Tyonnie Keshay Rankin, 21; and Sally Rechelle Lewis, 49 — were charged with misdemeanor assault and criminal mischief.
“It’s a shocking and tragic situation when one of our valued employees is assaulted for doing their job — as required by city policies — and trying to make a living,” a spokesperson for Carmine’s said in a statement.
Restaurants in New York City must ask patrons for proof of vaccination in order to comply with an executive order signed by Mayor Bill DeBlasio that went into effect earlier this week.
Thursday’s assault was thought to be the first incidence of violence related to the requirement.
“Do not assault restaurant workers who are doing their job to keep us safe… I can’t believe this happened here,” said Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer. “We have to increase the fines, if that’s what it takes.”
Gothamist reports:
In the wake of the attack, the NYC Hospitality Alliance, which has embraced the mandate, called on the city strengthen penalties for assaulting a restaurant worker. The group is also asking Mayor Bill de Blasio to increase public outreach around his “Key to NYC” vaccine mandate, particularly among visitors who may be unfamiliar with the guidance.
The owner of Carmines says his staff received training on how to enforce the mandate and now he has no choice but to pay for security at the front door.
