In a chilling incident that unfolded at Hook Fish and Chicken in Atlanta, 39-year-old Mohammed Hamdan, the restaurant owner, is now facing aggravated assault charges for allegedly shooting a 15-year-old boy multiple times last Friday night.
The unsettling event began when police received a report of shots fired around 10 p.m. Shortly after, another call came in from the teen's mother, informing them that her son had been shot several times. According to reports, the 15-year-old had entered the restaurant while his brother waited outside.
Surveillance footage reveals the boy approaching the counter, where Hamdan took his order. The situation took a sudden and violent turn when the teen reached over the counter to grab a plastic tip jar. In response, Hamdan allegedly pulled a handgun from his waistband and fired at least three shots at the teenager.
Contrary to initial speculation, detectives found no evidence that the teen was armed or posed a threat to Hamdan after reviewing surveillance footage and speaking to witnesses. The seemingly unprovoked nature of the incident raises questions about the restaurant owner's actions and the factors leading up to the confrontation.
In response to the evidence, police, in consultation with the district attorney's office, approved charging Hamdan with aggravated assault. The 15-year-old victim sustained two gunshot wounds to his right forearm and one in the right shoulder blade, further intensifying the gravity of the incident.
As this shocking case unfolds, it brings attention to issues of public safety, gun violence, and the responsibility of business owners in handling conflicts. The legal proceedings will likely shed light on the details surrounding the shooting and the factors that led to such a tragic event within the confines of a seemingly routine restaurant interaction.
