Police: Texans attack NYC restaurant host

NEW YORK >> A host at an Italian restaurant on the Upper West Side of Manhattan was assaulted by three tourists from Texas after she asked to see their proof of vaccination, police said, four days after enforcement of New York City’s vaccine mandate for indoor diners began.

The altercation occurred Thursday night when the host asked the tourists to show her proof that they had been vaccinated against the coronavirus before letting them enter the restaurant, Carmine’s, for dinner, police said. New York City requires people to prove they have received at least one dose of a vaccine before dining indoors.

The tourists, who were identified by police as Kaeita Nkeenge Rankin, 44, and Tyonnie Keshay Rankin, 21, of Humble, Texas, and Sally Rechelle Lewis, 49, of Houston, began to argue with the host over the requirement, police said. It was not immediately clear if they had displayed proof of vaccination.

As the argument escalated, the women began punching the host, who is 24, breaking her necklace during the assault. The host was bruised and scratched in the attack, police said.

All three women were arrested and charged with assault and criminal mischief before being given desk appearance tickets and orders to return to court Oct. 5.

Last month, New York became the first city in the country to require proof of at least one dose of a virus vaccine for indoor dining and other activities, like live performances, gyms and movie theaters. Enforcement of the policy began Monday.

“It’s a shocking and tragic situation when one of our valued employees is assaulted for doing their job — as required by city policies — and trying to make a living,” a Carmine’s representative said in a statement. “Our focus right now is caring for our employee and the rest of our restaurant family.”

Mayor Bill de Blasio has been pushing aggressively for New Yorkers to get vaccinated.