Two men were arrested in Van Nuys, California for assaulting a Target security guard.
The guard confronted them over their refusal to wear face masks.
The Los Angeles Police Department released surveillance footage which shows two maskless brothers, Phillip Hamilton, 31, and Paul Hamilton, 29, being escorted out of the store by a pair of security guards.
You can see security footage here.
Two Suspects Arrested for Assaulting a Security Guard NR20098rcyoutu.be
One of them swings around and attacks the guard.
According to LAPD spokesperson Drake Madison:
"As they approached the exit, one of the suspects suddenly and without provocation turned and punched the store employee, causing him and the suspect to fall to the floor."
The other brother then also began to fight with the second guard, intensifying the chaotic scene.
Two men have been arrested in connection with an argument over protective masks that left a security guard with a b… https://t.co/UbggwQgmEA— WLS-AM 890 (@WLS-AM 890) 1589292843.0
The brothers were being removed from the store for refusing to wear face masks.
The store was following recommendations requiring masks inside all Los Angeles establishments since April.
From the "people behaving badly" department: Fight breaks out at Target after customers refuse to wear facial cover… https://t.co/jLwMnTa31B— Intentional Preparedness (@Intentional Preparedness) 1589286514.0
One of the security guards is now recovering from a broken arm sustained during the fight.
The two brothers were arrested and charged with "felony battery."
Both were released from custody on May 5.
@Complex It’s really not a big deal just wear the stupid mask and go about your business— Lvl100Garchomp (@Lvl100Garchomp) 1589239300.0
A statement from Target about the "unfortunate altercation" read:
"We're grateful for the support of local police and we'll provide any information that can be helpful to their investigation."
@Complex https://t.co/INJoWO0xp2— Mr. Barnes (@Mr. Barnes) 1589236531.0
@ABC7 No mask 😷 no service 🙅🏻♂️— Eric Rossoni (@Eric Rossoni) 1589216732.0
If you're going out in public, please wear a mask to protect yourself and others. If you have a moral objection with wearing a mask, breaking someone's arm is never the answer.
Stay home or shop elsewhere.