Washington, D.C
Uber Eats dumps DC coffee shop after owner's racist rant
Viral DC coffee shop under investigation with multiple agencies
In response to a viral video, Uber has removed Canna Coffee from its platform. FOX 5’s Sierra Fox has the latest developments.
WASHINGTON – D.C. police are investigating an incident involving the owner of Canna Coffee, who was caught on video berating an Uber Eats delivery driver for not speaking English.
The video, which has gone viral on TikTok with millions of views, shows the owner shouting at Gregorio Amundarain, a Latino driver, for speaking only Spanish.
Amundarain, who moved to the U.S. from Venezuela to support his family, told FOX 5 he had never experienced such hostility while picking up an order. “I feel sad,” he said, noting that he had hoped for a better life in America.
In response to the viral video, Uber has removed Canna Coffee from its platform, stating, “We are absolutely disgusted by this behavior. Uber is proud to help people from many backgrounds find work in their communities, and hate has no place on our platform.”
D.C. police confirmed they are investigating the incident as a potential hate crime, though no arrests have been made.
Amundarain said he felt he was discriminated against because he is Hispanic but is leaving the matter to the authorities.
“I’m moving on with my life and leaving this disappointing situation in the hands of the law,” he said.
Meanwhile, FOX 5 has uncovered that Canna Coffee is also under investigation by multiple agencies.
The D.C. Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration revealed that Canna Coffee was formerly known as “Mary Jay’s Exotic” and was accused of illegally manufacturing, growing, and selling marijuana. A warning letter was issued in May to the business, outlining potential consequences if it continued the illegal activity.
Uber Eats driver’s viral encounter with DC coffee shop owner sparks hate crime investigation
The D.C. Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection conducted inspections at the shop in May and August and issued two notices of infraction.
While Canna Coffee is registered as an LLC, DLCP stated, “We take allegations of illegal activity seriously and are actively monitoring the situation.”
DC coffee shop owner berates Uber Eats driver for speaking Spanish
A viral video showing a Washington, D.C. business owner allegedly berating an Uber delivery driver for speaking Spanish has sparked a police investigation into a potential hate crime and simple assault. FOX 5’s Sierra Fox has the latest details.
When reached for comment, Canna Coffee responded with a cryptic message, stating, “Humans are crazy!”
The police investigation into the assault is ongoing, and FOX 5 will continue to monitor and report developments.
Washington, D.C
DC leaders considering transit options for new RFK Stadium
The Commanders are set to build a new stadium in D.C., and the debate over how fans will get to and from games is happening right now. On Wednesday, city leaders will join Metro and the Washington Commanders to talk stadium transit.
Washington, D.C
D.C. Police Chief manipulated crime data; new House Oversight report
TNND — A new report from the House Oversight Committee alleges former D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith pressured officers to manipulate crime data. The committee released the report on Sunday, less than a week after Smith announced she was stepping down.
You’re lulling people into this false sense of security. They might go places they wouldn’t ordinarily go. They might do things they wouldn’t ordinarily do,” said Betsy Brantner Smith, spokesperson for the National Police Association.
Included in the report were transcribed interviews with the commanders of all seven D.C. patrol districts and the former commander currently on suspended leave. One was asked, “Over the last few years, has there been any internal pressure to simply bring down crime statistics?” Their response, “Yes, I mean extremethere’s always been pressure to keep crime down, but the focus on statistics… has come in with this current administration.”
Every single person who lives, works, or visits the District of Columbia deserves a safe city, yet it’s now clear the American people were deliberately kept in the dark about the true crime rates in our nation’s capital,” House Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer (R-KY) said in a statement.
“They are going to have to regain the public trust. Again, this is a huge integrity issue,” Brantner Smith said.
Among the reports findings, Smith’s alleged pressured campaign against staff led to inaccurate crime data. Smith punished or removed officers for reporting accurate crime numbers. Smith fostered a toxic culture and President Trump’s federal law enforcement surge in D.C. is working.
While Smith has not yet publicly responded to the report, she’s previously denied allegations of manipulating crime data, saying the investigation did not play a factor into her decision to step down at the end of the year.
My decision was not factored into anything with respect to, other than the fact that it’s time. I’ve had 28 years in law enforcement. I’ve had some time to think with my family,” Smith said earlier this month.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser also released a statement Monday, writing in part that “the interim report betrays its bias from the outset, admitting that it was rushed to release.”
According to crime stats from the Metropolitan Police Department, since the federal law enforcement surge started in August, total violent crime is down 26%. Homicides are down 12% and carjackings 37%.
Washington, D.C
National Menorah Lighting in DC dedicated to Bondi Beach victims
The first candle lit on the National Menorah near the White House in Washington, D.C., marked the first night of Hanukkah — and solemnly honored victims of the Bondi Beach shooting.
The National Menorah Lighting was held Sunday night, hours after gunmen opened fire on a crowd celebrating the beginning of Hanukkah at Australia’s iconic Bondi Beach. Fifteen people were killed, including a 10-year-old girl, a rabbi and a Holocaust survivor, and over three dozen others were being treated at hospitals.
Authorities in Australia said it was a terrorist attack targeting Jewish people.
Organizers behind the National Menorah Lighting said the news from Australia, along with the bitter cold, forced them to consider whether or not to hold the annual event.
After consulting with local law enforcement, National Menorah Lighting organizers decided to hold the event and honor the victims.
Several D.C.-area police departments issued statements confirming there are no known threats to local communities, but are monitoring just in case.
Montgomery County Executive Mark Elrich condemned the attack and said community safety is a priority.
“Acts of antisemitism, especially those meant to intimidate families and communities during moments of gathering and celebration, must be called out clearly and condemned without hesitation,” Elrich said. “I have heard directly from members of Montgomery County’s Jewish community who are shaken and concerned, and I want them to know that their safety is a priority.”
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