Disabled War Vet, Supporters Call Out Fast Food Giant
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Veterans staged a protest outside a Brooklyn McDonald's Tuesday in support of a fellow vet who says he was harassed by employees for bringing his service dog into the restaurant.
Disabled Iraq War veteran Captain Luis Carlos Montalvan is suing the fast food chain.
He says he was told he couldn't bring his dog inside the McDonald's on 5th Avenue in Sunset Park. He says the restaurant is violating the Americans with Disabilities Act since he needs the dog to help him with balance and mobility.
The decorated vet also claims he was assaulted by various McDonald's employees while trying to document what he says is their discriminatory behavior.
Montalvan says he appreciates other disabled people coming out to support him.
"McDonald's should be ashamed of themselves. They should be ashamed of their mistreatment of people with disabilities, should be ashamed of how they mistreated me and my service dog," Montalvan said.
"His dog is a working dog. It's not a pet. It's helping him live his life fully by being able to go anywhere, and that's what that dog allows him to do. This particular McDonald's, this franchise owner denied him his rights," said Montalvan supporter Neil Frumkin.
McDonald's has released a statement saying they comply with all applicable laws including the American Disabilities Act and have a strict policy prohibiting any form of discrimination.