A Mother's Day brunch at a Raleigh restaurant turned chaotic and dangerous when a family feud escalated into a violent confrontation involving gunfire and physical assaults. The incident, which unfolded in broad daylight in a crowded setting, left patrons and employees scrambling for safety as the situation spiraled out of control.
The Origin of the Conflict: A Family Dispute Over a Woman
According to information from the District Attorney's office, the entire altercation stemmed from an argument involving a woman, which quickly escalated into a larger family feud. The dispute included both men and women and reportedly had a complicated background with ongoing tensions dating back several years. This feud was no ordinary disagreement but rather a deeply rooted conflict that ignited under the pressure of the holiday gathering.
The Incident: Gunfire and Assault in a Crowded Restaurant
The accused shooter, identified as 23-year-old Alexander Barnes, is seen on surveillance footage wearing a white shirt. The video shows Barnes pulling out a black gun and firing three shots into the floor inside the restaurant. Alongside Barnes, another man was involved in the brawl, which featured violent acts including the use of a chair as a weapon. Jermaine Mitchell, a 51-year-old man who is Barnes’s stepfather, is accused of assaulting Barnes by hitting him with a chair. Barnes, in turn, faces charges including assault with intent to kill his stepfather, while Mitchell is charged with assault with a deadly weapon.
The Chaos: Families and Innocent Bystanders Caught in the Crossfire
The fight spilled into the dining area where many families were gathered for the holiday, including mothers, grandmothers, and small children. The violence caused panic among the diners and employees, many of whom rushed to escape the danger as gunshots rang out. The presence of vulnerable individuals, such as children and elderly family members, heightened the seriousness of the incident. No life-threatening injuries were reported among those caught in the chaos, but the traumatic experience left a lasting impact on witnesses.
Court Proceedings and Defense Arguments
Both Barnes and Mitchell appeared before a judge on Tuesday following their arrests. Barnes is held without bond, while Mitchell was granted a secured bond set at $25,000. Both men were ordered by the court to have no contact with the victims involved in the incident. In a surprising turn, the defense attorney representing both defendants argued that Barnes’s actions were in self-defense, claiming the footage does not show the full sequence of events that led to the shooting. The attorney highlighted that there is more to the story than what the brief video captures, including evidence of physical attacks on women during the altercation.
Additional Charges and Arrests
Beyond Barnes and Mitchell, the authorities also arrested a woman connected to the fight. She faces assault charges and is accused of aiding Barnes in evading capture after the shooting. The investigation is ongoing, with more court dates expected in the near future. The next scheduled hearing for Barnes and Mitchell is set for June 3rd, while the court awaits further details before deciding on the status of the female suspect.
Reflection on the Incident and Community Impact
This violent episode serves as a stark reminder of how quickly family disputes can escalate, especially in public and highly emotional settings like Mother’s Day. What was meant to be a celebration turned into a frightening scene of gunfire and injury. Community members and law enforcement alike are likely to reflect on the importance of addressing underlying conflicts before they erupt into violence.
Despite the alarming nature of the event, the fact that no one suffered life-threatening injuries offers a small measure of relief. However, the psychological impact on those who witnessed or were indirectly involved cannot be understated. The case continues to unfold, with authorities working diligently to piece together the full story and ensure justice is served.
As the community awaits the next steps in the legal process, this incident underscores the critical need for conflict resolution and the dangers that unresolved familial tensions can pose in public spaces.
