Whataburger Employees Fend Off Restaurant Attacker with a Fry Basket and Trash Can in Viral Video

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Following a verbal altercation, a 41-year-old Texas man named Anthony William Newhuis allegedly returned to a Whataburger restaurant and assaulted the manager. In a now-viral video, Whataburger employees can be seen responding to the attack by hitting the alleged assailant with a trash can and a deep-fryer basket. Newhuis was arrested and charged with assault resulting in bodily injury, as well as criminal mischief for allegedly flooding jail cells.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the risks that fast-food workers can face from aggressive or violent customers, and the measures they may need to take to defend themselves. It also raises questions about security protocols and de-escalation training for restaurant staff.

The details

According to the police report, Newhuis first entered the Whataburger restaurant in Paris, Texas, and became verbally abusive to the staff. After being asked to leave, he allegedly threatened to return and assault the manager. Newhuis did return, and the police say he assaulted the manager by striking him multiple times. In the viral video, employees can be seen using a trash can and a deep-fryer basket to fend off the alleged attacker.

• On Sunday, Feb. 22, police were called to the Whataburger restaurant following the initial incident.
• Newhuis was arrested and charged on the same day, Feb. 22.
• Newhuis was released from jail on Monday, Feb. 23, after posting bond.

What’s next

A court date on the charges against Newhuis has not yet been set.