What's happened
Two lawsuits have been filed against McDonald's and Six Flags over incidents where customers were attacked or injured. In Los Angeles, a woman died after being pushed to the ground during an attack at a McDonald's in Boyle Heights. The lawsuits allege negligence and failure to ensure safety, citing repeated criminal activity at the locations. The incidents occurred in 2024, with legal actions filed in 2026. The cases highlight ongoing concerns about safety and security at these venues.
What's behind the headline?
The lawsuits underscore systemic safety failures at popular public venues. McDonald's in Boyle Heights had a history of criminal activity, with police responding over 130 times between 2020 and 2024, yet the location failed to implement adequate security measures. The attack, which resulted in Luna's death, was preventable if staff had responded appropriately to warning signs. Similarly, Six Flags Great America faces scrutiny after a rider was injured due to ride malfunction and inadequate safety protocols. These cases reveal a pattern of neglect, where companies prioritize operational convenience over customer safety. The legal actions will likely pressure these venues to improve security and maintenance standards, but the ongoing risks suggest that safety concerns remain unresolved. The broader implication is a call for stricter regulation and oversight of such venues to prevent future tragedies.
What the papers say
The Independent reports on the Boyle Heights incident, highlighting the lawsuit filed by Jose Juan Rangel and the community's concerns about safety neglect. NY Post details the Six Flags case, emphasizing the ride's history and the company's alleged negligence. Both articles criticize the venues' failure to respond to known risks despite repeated police and emergency responses, illustrating a pattern of corporate oversight and community vulnerability. The coverage from both sources paints a picture of systemic safety lapses, with legal actions serving as a potential catalyst for change. The stories are timely, reflecting ongoing debates about public safety and corporate responsibility in high-traffic venues.
How we got here
The incidents stem from ongoing issues with safety at certain public venues, including McDonald's in Boyle Heights and Six Flags Great America in Illinois. The McDonald's attack involved a known vagrant, Charles Green Jr., who approached the couple, attacked the husband, and pushed the wife to the ground, causing fatal injuries. The Six Flags incident involved a visitor falling from a rollercoaster after a ride malfunction. Both cases reveal concerns about inadequate security measures and maintenance, with previous reports of criminal activity and safety lapses at these locations. The lawsuits aim to hold the companies accountable for neglecting safety protocols amid persistent risks.
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