Transgender Woman Beaten at McDonald's

(Newser) – A cell phone video of two girls beating a transgendered woman so viciously the blows might have triggered a seizure could lead to hate-crime charges, according to Baltimore area officials. The disturbing video shows a prolonged attack of punches, kicks, and dragging by two teen... More »

(Newser) – A cell phone video of two girls beating a transgendered woman so viciously the blows might have triggered a seizure could lead to hate-crime charges, according to Baltimore area officials. The disturbing video shows a prolonged attack of punches, kicks, and dragging by two teen girls in a suburban Maryland McDonald's. A man and a woman attempt to stop the attack, but the girls are relentless. They finally exit as victim Chrissy Lee Polis, 22, writhes on the floor. The video was taken by a restaurant worker, who accuses Polis of faking her seizure, reports the Smoking Gun. The confrontation apparently began when Polis tried to used the woman's bathroom.

McDonald's officials have expressed "shock" at the video, and fired the worker who filmed the attack, reports Reuters. A 14-year-old girl has been charged with assault, and charges are pending against an 18-year-old. Polis suffered cuts and bleeding in the attack, but refused medical attention when police arrived. Local resident plan a vigil today outside McDonald's. "When that video went viral, it was sickening to watch," said a transgendered physician from Chevy Chase. "I'm seeing this woman go into a seizure. It's appalling to see that no one was there to help her." Less »