On July 31, a brutal fight broke out at Baladna Bakery in Paterson. A man carrying a knife cut and stabbed two bakery owners, triggering a neighborhood rivalry over a sandwich that began four years earlier. The shattering incident has sent shock waves through the local community and has already sparked fears that violence is increasingly becoming a reaction to food-related complaints.
The still-unidentified, still-at-large assailant knifed brothers Mohammed and Abed Assad. According to initial media reports, Mohammed confronted him. See, four years ago he was unhappy that when he ordered an egg sandwich, he received an eggplant sandwich. The irate customer alleged that the wrong order had made him sick, prompting his tirade.
During the attack, the assailant stabbed Mohammed Assad in the chest and slashed Abed Assad on his forearm. Witnesses described hearing intense screaming from within the bakery and saw one of the eventual victims emerge gripping his bloody arm. Officers were able to quickly respond to the scene after getting reports that an individual had been stabbed.
The department’s public information officer, Rob Rowan, explained that to Paterson Police Department PIO Rob Rowan. Our major crimes unit is continuing to actively investigate this ongoing incident. He said, “Police officers arrived at Baladna Bakery after hearing reports of a stabbing.” The bakery was then shuttered for the weekend while investigators pieced together the case.
Witnesses said the attacker was more violent as the fight escalated. The first local account reported that the bakery owners attempted to make amends by offering a refund or store credit. The assailant continued to shout viciously disgusting words at them. According to the complaint, he yelled throughout the altercation, “You put eggplant on my sandwich! Now my stomach hurting!”
This unfortunate incident underscores a troubling trend emerging in the United States. Such extreme violence continues to rise, even from customers angry over a restaurant’s food service. As tensions flare over seemingly minor grievances, many community members express concern over safety in local establishments.
One worker from the business next door couldn’t believe what he saw. He continued, “What went down came as a surprise to all of us, because these are extremely kind and gentle people. Mohammed and Abed Assad are legendary for their welcoming hospitality at Baladna Bakery. This is what makes the recent incident especially horrifying for their loyal customers.