Attack outside Dupont Circle Shake Shack being investigated as hate crime

WASHINGTON — A fight outside of the Shack Shack near Dupont Circle over the weekend is being investigated as a suspected hate crime.

According to a police report from the Metropolitan Police Department, Saturday night around 6 p.m., Christian Dingus reported to police that he was assaulted by multiple people. The police report states that the incident is being investigated as a possible anti-gay hate crime based on sexual orientation. Dingus was treated by D.C. Fire emergency medical service on scene. The severity of his injuries is not known.

A video circulating online shows the attack. In the video, what looks to be three Shake Shake employees begin shoving and punching a man on the street outside the store. The attackers knock the man down and begin kicking him. Two more people come from behind and one appears to attempt to pull some of the other attackers away from the man on the ground. 

Shake Shack provided this statement on the incident to WUSA9:

"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." 

Police are still investigating the incident. So far, no arrests have been made. Anyone who may have additional information for investigators should contact MPD at 202-727-9099, or text the department's tip line at 50411. 

We are working to confirm additional details and will update this story when more information becomes available.