Digital Realty Director Alleges Bias After Family Tragedy, Assault

Lawsuit claims safety executive was forced to work while recovering and then fired without cause

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A Digital Realty Trust Inc. safety and health director has filed a lawsuit alleging he was made to work while recovering from his father-in-law's murder and a subsequent violent assault, and then fired without cause while on leave. The lawsuit claims the mistreatment violated the executive's rights under federal and state disability discrimination laws.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about how companies treat employees dealing with personal tragedies and the need for stronger protections against disability discrimination, especially for those in leadership roles.

The details

According to the lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, the murder of Thomas Barnard's father-in-law and a later assault on Barnard while he was on work travel in Portland, Oregon both occurred in 2024, after he had been in his senior leadership role at Digital Realty for more than three years. The lawsuit states Barnard sustained head trauma, brain bleeding, and was rendered unconscious during the assault.

  • The murder of Barnard's father-in-law occurred in 2024.
  • The assault on Barnard happened later in 2024 while he was on work travel in Portland, Oregon.

The players

Thomas Barnard

A safety and health director at Digital Realty Trust Inc. who is suing the company for alleged disability discrimination.

Digital Realty Trust Inc.

A real estate investment trust that provides data center facilities and colocation services.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.