Clarke asks why no one helped McDonald’s attack victim

March 19, 2015 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

U.S. Rep. Yvette Clarke says she was outraged by the attack and was shocked that no one in the fast food restaurant intervened to help the victim. Eagle file photo by Rob Abruzzese

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The attack on a 15-year-old girl in a Flatbush Avenue McDonald’s was bad enough, but what was also shocking was the lack of response to the brutal assault by people in the fast food restaurant, U.S. Rep. Yvette Clarke said.

Clarke (D-Central Brooklyn) issued a statement on the incident calling out the fact that no one in the restaurant intervened to help the victim.

“I am outraged at the climate of callous disregard and revelry at the brutality of this altercation and among these young girls, a climate that included a crowded restaurant of onlookers young and old. Why didn’t anyone in this restaurant see fit to intervene? This attack and the lack of compassion among the spectators in McDonald’s was unacceptable,” Clarke said.

The attack, which took place on March 9, was captured on a cell phone video that went viral. Six teenage girls allegedly attacked a 15-year-old girl in McDonald’s. The video depicts dozens of onlookers watching the attack and cheering, according to the Associated Press.

The AP also reported that all six suspects have now been arrested. A 15-year-old girl was arrested Wednesday night and charged with robbery and gang assault. Two 17-year-old girls and girls ages 14, 15 and 16 also have been arrested in connection with the brawl.

Police have stated that McDonald’s workers did call 911, but apparently no one in the crowd tried to help, according to the AP.

“We must all be alarmed by reports that other students in the crowd – as well as several adults – did not even bother to call 911 when the attack started. Our civil society depends on concern for each other as individuals who are entitled to respect for their human life and dignity,” Clarke said.