The Flint, Michigan Police Department is now investigating a conflict between two men in a Macy's after a video of their fight went viral online.
The video, shared to Facebook by rapper FT Quay was taken after Quay and his friend overheard a nearby White man call them the n-word.
Quay wrote:
"This not the whole video but Me and bro in the mall n sh-t and he ask this man [on the phone] did this shirt look [too] little he told hi' yea and kept talking on the phone then mumbled talking about sum 'no one just sum n—-er' he though' we ain't hear 'em because his mask was on."
Quay then captured video as his friend punched the man to the ground and continued to stand over him.
The clip was shared on Twitter by activist Tariq Nasheed.
A man at a store in #Flint allegedly referred to a Black man in the store as a “n***er" while talking on the #phone .
The Black man overheard him, then things went left.#CleanUpOnAisle3#Ogun#NoAntiBlackRacism pic.twitter.com/8XNYgwxb5K
— Tariq Nasheed 🇺🇸 (@tariqnasheed) June 17, 2020
Flint Township Police Lt. Brad Wangler commented:
"Yes, we are investigating and at this point no one is in custody."
Andrea Schwartz, a spokesperson for Macy's, also said the store would be increasing security following the incident.
"We are deeply saddened about the incident that took place on Monday at Macy's Genesee Valley as the safety of Macy's customers and colleagues is our top priority."
"We take these situations very seriously and are working closely with local authorities on this investigation, deferring all comments about the case to them per policy."
People online were split over the incident, with some saying the White man got what was coming to him for allegedly using a racial slur.
When you use the N word be prepared for Consequences.
— PinkGem1 (@PinkGem1) June 19, 2020
I bet thats the last time he says it to someones face 🤣
— Coral (@TropicCoralFire) June 19, 2020
Others felt this violence wasn't necessary.
If he did that, then he deserved the beating. But considering his reaction after getting hit, I kinda doubt he said it.
— Gordon Shumway (@ChaunceyGardin4) June 19, 2020
Perhaps this was just a bad situation where no one was completely in the right.
White guy deserved it if he was using racially charged language. But this is assault, plain and simple.
... and black guy referring to women as "them bitches."
Pretty messed up video all around.
— Castle 🇺🇸 (@sinnedLA) June 18, 2020
Yes a rascist was beaten. That sounds racially motivated to me!
— Sam alexander (@smaxx74) June 19, 2020
Ultimately, more facts are necessary to make an accurate judgement of what caused the situation, but there are better ways to deal with racist language than an assault that can result in legal repercussions. The Macy's in Flint, Michigan will now post additional security guards to ensure fights between customers are a rarity.
NBC News via Lisa Anderson
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