Victim of Beating at Baltimore County McDonald's Calls Attack a 'Hate Crime'

A transgender woman whose attack at a Rosedale McDonald’s was recorded and later went viral on the Internet said she is a victim of a hate crime, according to The Baltimore Sun.

Chrissy Lee Polis, 22, who grew up in Essex and Dundalk, told The Baltimore Sun that since the attack on April 18 she’s afraid to go out in public.

"Anyone in my predicament should not be afraid to walk the streets," Polis told The Sun. "They should not have to go into a restaurant and get gawked at and made fun of.”

A 14-year-old girl faces assault charges and an 18-year-old girl has charges pending against her after the violent attack at the McDonald's, located on the 6300 block of Kenwood Avenue.

The occurred at about 8 p.m. on April 18. When officers arrived, they discovered Polis, who appeared to be having a seizure, according to a statement released by the Baltimore County Police Department.

Witnesses advised that two female suspects had assaulted the victim. Both suspects were later identified. The 14-year-old female has been charged as a juvenile. Charges are pending against an 18-year-old female. Polis was transported to Franklin Square Hospital for treatment.

The incident remains under investigation and the State's Attorney's Office is reviewing the case to determine whether it was racially and/or gender motivated. Baltimore County police refused to comment further.

The McDonald’s franchise owner, Mitchell McPherson, released a statement that said the employee who recorded the attack was no longer employed at the restaurant.

"My first and foremost concern is with the victim,” McPherson said. “I'm as shocked and disturbed by this assault as anyone would be. The behavior displayed in the video is unfathomable and reprehensible.

“The safety of my customers is my top priority. We called the police immediately, and we are thoroughly investigating the behavior and response of my employees. Action has been taken, and the crewmember who made the video is no longer employed with my organization. Appropriate action regarding other employees will take place as warranted."

A three-minute video of the attack, taken by a McDonald’s employee, begins with two women kicking and beating the victim, lying on the ground near a bathroom. One employee tries to stop the attack, but the attack continues, even after an older woman, who is shoved in the process, tries to break it up.

The two suspects then rip a wig off of the victim and drag her to the front door. One of the suspects can then been seen landing a devastating blow to Polis’ head as she lay on the floor. The victim then appears to go into a seizure.

The video of the beating garnered hundreds of thousands of views on various websites, including The Smoking Gun and The Drudge Report.

McDonald’s also posted an additional reaction to the incident on its corporate website:

“First and foremost, our thoughts are with the victim during this time. Our franchisee is investigating the behavior and response of his employees. Action has been taken, and the crewmember who made the video is no longer employed by his organization. Appropriate action regarding other employees will take place as warranted.

“We want to reassure our customers that your neighborhood McDonald's is a safe, welcoming place for everyone. We share our customers' concern. We are doing everything possible to make sure the right thing is done.”

Still, Equality Maryland wants the attack investigated as a hate crime. WJZ reports that supporters of the transgendered community are planning a rally at 7 p.m. on Monday in front of the Rosedale McDonald’s.