A horrifying incident has left a mother hospitalized after she was brutally attacked with a sledgehammer inside a bodega where she works.
The assault occurred when she refused to grant a refund to two customers who had purchased a hookah, according to police reports.
As per crowrivermedia This disturbing event marks the third attack on bodega workers in just four days within the borough, highlighting a concerning trend of violence targeting small business employees.
Fernando Mateo, president of the United Bodegas of America (UBA), expressed alarm over the recent spate of attacks, describing the situation as a “state of emergency.”
He emphasized the urgent need for preventive measures such as panic buttons installed under bodega counters.
These panic buttons, when activated, would alert law enforcement immediately upon detecting a threat, potentially mitigating such violent incidents.
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In response to escalating concerns, Governor Kathy Hochul previously pledged $5 million in April to bolster security measures for small businesses like bodegas.
However, the UBA claims that these funds have yet to materialize, underscoring frustrations among business owners seeking increased protection for their employees and patrons.
Councilmember Oswald Feliz, chair of the Small Business Committee, has joined the call for action, advocating for up to $15 million in the city budget to address the growing threat posed to bodega workers.
This proposed allocation aims to enhance safety protocols and implement effective security strategies across local businesses, ensuring a safer environment for workers and customers alike.