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As crowds filled Washington’s U Street corridor during D.C. Black Pride over Memorial Day weekend, police say a Maryland man stood outside a popular restaurant and threatened to shoot an employee after allegedly hurling homophobic slurs at them.
The incident, now being investigated as a possible hate crime, unfolded Sunday at Ben’s Next Door, a Black-owned restaurant and bar long woven into the cultural life of the historic U Street neighborhood.
According to the Metropolitan Police Department, officers arrested 32-year-old Delonte Fraley after responding to reports of threats at the restaurant around 4:20 p.m. Sunday.
Related: FBI report: Despite overall crime drop, anti-LGBTQ+ violence remains alarmingly high
Police officials said in a statement that the confrontation began after an employee instructed a bartender not to serve Fraley alcohol. Investigators allege that Fraley overheard the exchange, directed antigay slurs at the employee, and threatened to shoot them.
The incident happened during one of the most visible LGBTQ+ weekends in the nation’s capital. D.C. Black Pride, founded in 1991, annually draws thousands of Black LGBTQ+ people to the city for parties, advocacy events, and community gatherings. The U Street area, where the arrest occurred, sits near several nightlife venues popular during the celebration.
Court documents, first reported by the Washington Blade, allege that the harassment extended beyond a single confrontation. The employee told investigators the suspect had also targeted them with homophobic slurs the previous day. According to the affidavit, Fraley allegedly became “irate” after being told he could not remain inside the establishment and later referenced the employee’s Tesla while making threats.
Related: A gay man in D.C. was attacked in his home with a rock. He believes it was a hate crime
The employee attempted to leave work but, according to police, spotted Fraley standing near the vehicle outside and returned inside the restaurant to call 911 because they feared the threats could be carried out.
Responding officers arrested Fraley at the scene.
The Metropolitan Police Department said Fraley was charged with felony threats tied to hate- or bias-related allegations. Authorities noted the classification remains under investigation and could change as the case proceeds.
