Hooters is responding to backlash after a child was called by racist slurs and spat on by an off-duty first responder in one of their restaurants.
One witness said he was flabbergasted when a firefighter told police he was a first responder. “He basically said get that little ‘blank’ up off the floor,” the witness explained. “The n-word started to get thrown around.”
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The incident happened at 8:15 pm and the witness said he was approximately five feet away. He said he saw the child had wandered away from family members.
When one of them went to get the child, the firefighter used the racial slur and spat on the child. Police were called and when the witness found out the man was a first responder he was stunned.
Overland Park police said the unnamed suspect will be charged for his actions.
Sgt. John Lacy, a police spokesman, also confirmed that the suspect is a first responder but did not say which agency he works for, only that he does not work in Kansas.
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Hooters of America has now responded to a reporter’s questions concerning the incident. Their corporate office released this statement on Saturday.
“Hooters does not tolerate any harassment or discriminatory language, the safety and well-being of our guests and employees are our utmost priorities. Of course it goes without saying that our policy is to fully cooperate with any law enforcement investigation.”
The Overland Park Fire Department had been getting backlash on social media over the incident as many thought the man worked for their department. They too released a statement.
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“Our understanding is this incident did not involve our personnel. We have confidence the investigation will be conducted properly,” the fire department tweeted.
It is not known at this time just what charges the man will be facing for his racist behavior at Hooters.