Attorney Justin Moore, who represents one of the three women charged in the incident, told the New York Times and Daily News there is more to the case.
According to Moore and surveillance video reviewed by the Times, the women were already seated at the restaurant before the fight ensued. The three women showed their proof of vaccination before entering the restaurant. But the situation escalated when two men arrived to meet up with them but could not provide proof of vaccination.
Moore said his client, who is Black, was racially discriminated against and harassed during the incident.
In a statement to USA TODAY on Monday, Carmine’s denied the allegation and called the incident “an entirely unprovoked, brutal attack.”
“None of the attackers mentioned anything about race to our managers, staff, or the police who arrested them, and a Texas criminal defense lawyer’s false assertion otherwise is a deeply cynical ploy to try to excuse wanton violence,” the statement said.
The Video
