Man allegedly attacked outside Dupont Circle Shake Shack, MPD investigating as suspected hate crime

WASHINGTON ( DC News Now ) — The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said it is investigating a suspected hate crime after a man was allegedly attacked outside of Shake Shack in Dupont Circle on Saturday evening.

Shortly after 6 p.m., officers responded to the Shake Shack, located at 1802 Jefferson Place Northwest, for the report of an assault, according to the police report.

Cellphone video from bystanders captured the incident and appeared to show Shake Shack employees beating up a man outside the restaurant. The video has since circulated on social media, garnering attention and outrage.

Police identified the man attacked as Christian Dingus.

Dingus reported to police that multiple people assaulted him. Responders treated him on the scene for minor injuries to his body.

Dingus told DC News Now that the ordeal happened after an employee took issue with him sharing a kiss with his male friend inside the establishment.

“I was feeling pretty helpless, cause no one [was] stepping in,” Dingus said.

The police report said the suspect claimed he was acting in self-defense after Dingus put his hands on his neck.

Dingus disagreed with this claim.

“I saw that and really was kind of taken back. Shocked. I for certain don’t see myself ever doing that, I don’t think I would have done that,” he said.

Nearby neighbors were surprised to hear about the assault.

“Especially here, that is just absolutely insane. You would expect that you could be safe here,” said Matthew Kerian.

“It’s really sad that incidents like this are still happening, anywhere. There are incidents of homophobia, but especially here in D.C. we should be able to feel safe here,” added Boone Bishop.

Shake Shack said it is aware of the situation and has suspended the involved employees in the following statement:

“We are aware of the incident on Saturday, Aug. 17 involving team members and a guest at our Dupont Circle location and are taking it very seriously. At Shake Shack, the safety and well-being of our guests and team members are our top priorities, and we have a zero-tolerance policy for any form of violence. We are fully cooperating with local authorities in their investigation and have suspended the team members involved pending further review. We are committed to taking the appropriate actions based on the findings.”

The investigation is ongoing.

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