Md. Rally Condemns McDonald's Attack
ROSEDALE, Md. (WJZ) -- Monday night, a community stood together, demanding an end to senseless violence. It's all in response to a video that's making national headlines.
Weijia Jiang has new reaction from the victim's brother and the woman who tried to stop the attack.
The video has sparked outrage across the world. Chrissy Polis, 22, was severely beaten inside a Rosedale McDonald's. Polis tells our media partner, the Baltimore Sun, she believes the suspects attacked her because she's transgender.
"They kicked me in my face. They really hurt me really bad and I'm afraid to go outside now," Polis said.
Police charged a 14-year-old as a juvenile and 18-year-old Teonna Monae Brown, who faces several counts of assault.
On Monday night, hundreds gathered outside the restaurant to protest, including Polis' twin brother, Matthew.
"It's overwhelming. I'm so happy...to be here. I'm his twin but everyone has a right to be here, just like I do," Matthew Polis said.
Those who came lit candles, not only for Polis but for other victims in the transgender community. Many say they found the video appalling but they were not surprised.
"We face a lot of violence and it has to stop. I think all of us, in our heart...we know what it was about," said Mara Keisling, National Center for Transgender Equality.
"They acted like animals," said Vicky Thoms.
Thoms tried to stop the fight but ended up punched in the eye herself. She said she stepped in because no one else would. Only one employee tried to help. Others can be heard laughing. McDonald's fired the on-duty worker who taped the beating.
"I have never in my life seen anything like that. It was like they were gonna kill her," Thoms said.
Polis said she had planned on coming, but in the end was too nervous to be around so many people. Meanwhile, Brown is in police custody, held without bail.
Police reports reveal Brown was arrested last July after a fight at that same McDonald's. Those assault charges were later dropped.
