FREMONT, CALIFORNIA – A horrifying incident at a Fremont McDonald’s has shaken the Indian and Desi diaspora in America. A peaceful family lunch turned into a moment of terror when a stranger slapped an Indian mother in front of her children, hurled racist abuse, and threw sauce at her young daughter—telling them: “You Indians need to go back to your country.”
The attacker, Marcus Harper, 22, of Union City, is now facing hate crime and battery charges after this unprovoked and public act of violence against a family of Indian origin.
It was supposed to be just another casual meal for a hardworking Indian family at a Fremont McDonald's. Instead, it turned into a nightmare that has shaken the Indian and Desi community across the United States.
Around 2:15 p.m. on April 5, 2025, a Union City man — now identified as Marcus Harper, 22 — walked straight up to the family’s table, where a mother, father, and two young children were quietly eating.
Without a word, Harper grabbed a handful of their French fries, shoved them into his mouth, and locked eyes with the stunned family. He sauntered away — but only briefly. Moments later, he returned with a terrifying escalation: he slapped the 36-year-old Indian mother across her face from behind.
As if the assault wasn’t enough, he then shouted racial slurs loud enough for the whole restaurant to hear:
"You Indians need to go back to your country."
Before storming out, Harper hurled a packet of sauce at their 9-year-old daughter, staining her sweater and leaving her terrified.
Shocked diners watched in horror. By the time police arrived, Harper was long gone.
The Hunt for the Attacker
But Harper hadn’t been careful enough.
Outside, officers found a 2003 Honda Accord parked suspiciously close to the McDonald’s. A quick check revealed it was registered to Marcus Harper. Inside the restaurant, surveillance cameras captured everything — the theft of food, the slap, the shouting, the sauce-throwing.
Police wasted no time. Detectives from the Fremont Crimes Against Persons Unit reviewed the footage, matched Harper’s 2024 mugshot to the suspect, and issued a warrant for his arrest.
After a tense 10-day search, officers finally found Harper alone inside his car near Marshlands Road and Thornton Avenue.
He was arrested without incident — perhaps realizing the net had closed in.
What Harper Told Police Will Chill You
In a disturbing interview after his arrest, Harper did not deny attacking the mother. He openly admitted to the slap but offered a bizarre, almost unbelievable excuse. He claimed he had “blacked out” and felt as though the Indian father had somehow “wanted him” to slap the mother.
There was no remorse. No apology. Just cold detachment.
This damning confession, combined with clear video evidence, sealed the decision for prosecutors.
Facing Justice
The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has charged Marcus Harper with two criminal counts:
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Violation of Civil Rights (Hate Crime) under Penal Code 422.6(a)
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Battery under Penal Code 242
If convicted, Harper could face up to a year behind bars.
He remains locked up at Santa Rita Jail, held on a hefty $110,000 bail, awaiting his day in court at the East County Hall of Justice in Dublin.
“This act of hate based upon the perceived national origin of these victims is completely unacceptable. Such behavior will not be tolerated, and those who commit hate crimes will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” - District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson
A Wake-Up Call for the Indian Community
For many Indians and South Asians living in the United States, incidents like these are chilling reminders that even everyday spaces like a McDonald’s aren’t always safe.
The scars left by hate — even without physical injury — can cut deep into a family’s sense of belonging.
Hate crimes have surged across California in recent years, with a 20% spike reported last year alone. And while the laws grow stronger, the need for solidarity, vigilance, and community awareness grows stronger still.
For this Fremont family, one moment of terror has turned into a lifetime memory they never asked for — and never deserved.
Editor’s Transparency Note
The term “allegedly” was intentionally removed after a full editorial review. Based on official police reports and interrogation records, the accused, Marcus Harper, has not denied committing the assault and admitted his actions during questioning. Surveillance evidence further corroborates the incident. This decision was made to ensure clarity and transparency for readers.