Brawl Over Pride Flag Sends Restaurant Worker To Hospital: Reports

ROSEVILLE, CA — A restaurant worker in Northern California was hospitalized after employees were targeted by a group of men who started a physical fight over a Pride flag at the establishment, according to reports.

The incident occurred around 10:15 p.m. Sept. 19 at Blaze Pizza in Roseville, KCRA 3 reported.

A man who was at the business to pick up a delivery order saw a Pride flag hanging inside, ripped it down and threw it to the ground, according to The Sacramento Bee. When employees tried to confront him, he shouted a homophobic slur and left, but returned with two other men and started a fight with two workers, one of whom suffered facial injuries, the Bee reported.

The men left before police arrived but authorities are investigating the case as a hate crime, according to the Bee.

"The safety and security of our staff and guests is of the utmost importance," Blaze Pizza told KCRA 3 in a statement. "While we cannot comment on specifics given this is an ongoing investigation, we absolutely condemn this type of violence and will work with authorities to bring resolution to this isolated incident."