The public is being asked to help identify a person who reportedly attacked an employee of a popular South Palm Springs dining and entertainment venue on the evening of November 30.
According to a spokesperson, an employee at the iconic Purple Room Supper Club, located at 1900 East Palm Canyon Dr., was physically attacked and verbally abused by a patron who refused to show proof of vaccination. Proof of vaccination is a requirement for entry to all in-door dining establishments in the city.
“After jumping the employee, the individual attempted to push his way into the club while delivering an anti-vax diatribe screaming, ‘I’m tired of you f**cking liberals. I’m going in the room,'” David Perry said in an email Thursday afternoon.
After the attack, the individual was forced to leave and is still at large and unidentified. A video camera in the club recorded the incident and captured a photo of the alleged assailant. Video footage was posted by KESQ-TV here Saturday morning. Both the video and photo have been turned over to the Palm Springs Police Department who are investigating. Anyone with information on the incident may contact police at 760-327-1441.
“This is not about politics. This is about public health,” said Perry, adding that the employee’s name is not being revealed to protect their privacy, but that they will be pressing charges. “It’s unconscionable and unacceptable that someone would not only endanger the health and welfare of others by not revealing their vaccination status, much less escalating to violence. The health and safety of our employees and all our guests is our first and foremost priority. We will pursue arrest and prosecution of the individual in question.”
According to Perry, there have been other incidents in which unvaccinated guests attempted entry to the club and were verbally abusive when they were turned away. However, this was the first physical altercation.