Loved ones honor mother found dead at L.A. homeless encampment as questions linger
Held at the site where the body of Lucrecia Macias Barajas was found, friends and family shared their fondest memories of the U.S. Army veteran and mother of six children.
'She had her whole life ahead of her,' said Amely Becerra, the woman's daughter. 'She was still so young.'
Her daughters said Barajas left her home on the Saturday before Mother's Day, and that was the last time they heard from her.
After she was missing for several days and family members were unable to reach her, they eventually traced her cell phone signal to an encampment on Huntley Drive in the Westlake District near downtown L.A.
Inside a locked tent, they found the bodies of Barajas and her male friend, whose identity was not released. Neighbors said at least one of the bodies had been partially eaten by dogs.
Video of the scene showed Barajas' youngest daughter wailing with grief, imploring police to take her mother's body out of the tent.
Officers, however, waited because two live dogs, a pit bull mix and a shepherd mix, one of whom reportedly bit into Barajas' body, were still in the tent.
Her daughter told the Los Angeles Times that her mother's body wasn't removed from the tent until early the next day, after animal services, who are now holding the dogs as evidence, responded to the scene.
Both Barajas' and the male victim's corpses were in the tent with the dogs for at least eight hours after they were found, her family said.
Her daughters said they're unsure why their mother went to the encampment that day, but they believe the circumstances surrounding her death are suspicious.
Los Angeles police detectives are reportedly investigating the case as a suspected overdose, but her family believes homicide shouldn't be ruled out and that there may be evidence of foul play.
One of their issues with the alleged 'overdose investigation' is that the tent in which their mother and the man were found was secured with a lock on the outside of the entrance, presumably suggesting a third party could have bolted it as they left the scene.
In addition, a neighbor told The Times that he and his girlfriend were awakened at around 3:30 a.m. that morning by sounds of a man and woman arguing, followed by a woman's screams for help before they heard silence.
'We have a lot of questions,' said Raul Claros, Founder/Director of California Rising. 'First, of what happened when she left the home — the timeline between when she left home and when she showed up [at the encampment].'
Born in Nicaragua, Barajas fled with her family in 1986 amid the country's civil war. She later joined the U.S. Army between the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Her daughters told The Times that they believe their mother started using methamphetamine in 2017 as a way to manage raising six children, working full-time and battling stage 3 lymphoma. The children were reportedly unaware of their mother's drug use, though they said she eventually became sober.
Barajas' loved ones described her as a generous person who often delivered food to those struggling on the streets.
'Lucrecia was a wonderful person and served our country,' said Stephanie Torres, a longtime friend. 'She doesn't deserve to be swept under the rug. No, we're not going to let that happen.'
The homeless encampment where Barajas was found has remained a chronic issue for many residents, who say the area attracts criminal activity, drug use and safety hazards.
Neighbors said the area has been neglected by city officials and despite repeated complaints, nothing is being done to curb the growing problems.
'The family and the community believe that if these encampments were not here, these two individuals would still be alive,' Claros said.
Barajas' daughters said they've spoken with LAPD detectives about the investigation and presented their theories on what they believe might have happened to their mother.
'That's all I want, is justice, and that my mother's memory won't fade,' Becerra said.
L.A. city councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, who represents the Westlake District, told The Times in a statement that she has spoken with LAPD and is working to 'ensure the family gets the answers they deserve.'
'I want people to know she wasn't a homeless drug addict, because that's not true,' Becerra said. 'Some people are coming to that conclusion, and that's not fair. She was just at the wrong place at the wrong time.'
The cause of death for Barajas and the unidentified man remains under investigation. A GoFundMe page to help her family with funeral expenses can be found here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. We bring you an update now from WA's premier, who has said the baby found dead in a stormwater drain could have been there for two weeks before the body was spotted. The horrifying discovery of the infant was made in Alexander Heights in Perth's north on Monday afternoon. "The mother of that child must be incredibly distressed," WA Premier Roger Cook told reporters on Tuesday. Police say they are seriously concerned about the mother's health and welfare, and stressed it was a priority to identify and locate her. It is understood tradies found the body while cleaning the drain on Monday, in what Mr Cook described as a "horrifying scenario". "Those workers that discovered the child's body were confronted with the most distressing of circumstances," he said. "My heart goes out to everyone involved in this horrible, horrible series of events. 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Productivity has been in decline since 2016, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics Treasurer Jim Chalmers has said the roundtable will make the economy more productive over time, helping to lift living standards and make people better off The summit follows the Reserve Bank Of Australia downgrading productivity growth from one per cent to 0.7 per cent Ideas on the agenda Documents leaked before the summit suggest the government will consider cutting red tape to boost housing supply The Productivity Commission is calling for reduced regulation for artificial intelligence, while unions are calling for greater protections of workers from the risks of AI Proposals for tax reform, including calls from Independent MP Kate Chaney to increase Goods and Service Tax to 15 per cent A push from the Australian Council of Trade Unions for a four-day working week. What are some concerns? Leaked Treasury advice raised concerns that the outcomes of the roundtable have already been pre-determined The government has already ruled out large changes to tax like negative gearing. Shadow treasurer Ted O'Brien warned the summit would be a "privileged talkfest" without the chance of meaningful outcome Who is on the guest list? About 30 participants including leading economists, employers, business groups, unions and civil society representatives Prominent names include Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock, Productivity Commission chair Danielle Wood, economist and policy adviser Ken Henry, independent MP Allegra Spender and NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey Some of the sectors represented include banking, universities, mining and superannuation The summit will run from August 19 to 21 at Parliament House in Canberra You will have heard plenty about productivity and the government's roundtable to help fix what it says is a deep-rooted problem spanning several decades. But what exactly is the issue and what will the three-day meet help to do? AAP has broken all that down for you below. What is the Economic Reform Roundtable? A three-day event aimed at lifting living standards primarily by boosting productivity, which has stagnated in Australia and other western countries Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has promised it will deliver long-lasting change to the government's economic agenda What is Productivity? It's about squeezing more from less, allowing wages to grow and helps build things better and faster, such as homes and clean energy infrastructure Why is it important? Productivity has been in decline since 2016, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics Treasurer Jim Chalmers has said the roundtable will make the economy more productive over time, helping to lift living standards and make people better off The summit follows the Reserve Bank Of Australia downgrading productivity growth from one per cent to 0.7 per cent Ideas on the agenda Documents leaked before the summit suggest the government will consider cutting red tape to boost housing supply The Productivity Commission is calling for reduced regulation for artificial intelligence, while unions are calling for greater protections of workers from the risks of AI Proposals for tax reform, including calls from Independent MP Kate Chaney to increase Goods and Service Tax to 15 per cent A push from the Australian Council of Trade Unions for a four-day working week. What are some concerns? Leaked Treasury advice raised concerns that the outcomes of the roundtable have already been pre-determined The government has already ruled out large changes to tax like negative gearing. Shadow treasurer Ted O'Brien warned the summit would be a "privileged talkfest" without the chance of meaningful outcome Who is on the guest list? About 30 participants including leading economists, employers, business groups, unions and civil society representatives Prominent names include Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock, Productivity Commission chair Danielle Wood, economist and policy adviser Ken Henry, independent MP Allegra Spender and NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey Some of the sectors represented include banking, universities, mining and superannuation The summit will run from August 19 to 21 at Parliament House in Canberra One year anniversary of coffee attack that shocked Australia nears The mother of the baby who made global headlines a year ago when a stranger threw hot coffee in his face is pleading with authorities to not let the man allegedly behind the attack escape accountability. Luka, nine months old at the time, had the hot drink thrown in his face in a Brisbane park on August 27 last year. The alleged offender fled Australia to China and no significant updates on investigations has been provided by police. Luka's mother has since taken to social media to say she does not want to wait another year for justice. "He's received synthetic skin grafts, skin needling, and laser treatments for his burns," she wrote, according to the ABC. "Every procedure is a painful reminder of what was done to him — and of the justice that still hasn't come." Queensland Police told the ABC it is committed to securing justice for the family however criminal lawyer Glen Cranny SC told the public broadcaster without a reciprocal extradition agreement, it would be difficult to achieve. The mother of the baby who made global headlines a year ago when a stranger threw hot coffee in his face is pleading with authorities to not let the man allegedly behind the attack escape accountability. Luka, nine months old at the time, had the hot drink thrown in his face in a Brisbane park on August 27 last year. The alleged offender fled Australia to China and no significant updates on investigations has been provided by police. Luka's mother has since taken to social media to say she does not want to wait another year for justice. "He's received synthetic skin grafts, skin needling, and laser treatments for his burns," she wrote, according to the ABC. "Every procedure is a painful reminder of what was done to him — and of the justice that still hasn't come." Queensland Police told the ABC it is committed to securing justice for the family however criminal lawyer Glen Cranny SC told the public broadcaster without a reciprocal extradition agreement, it would be difficult to achieve. Two children inside home where woman found dead A woman has been found dead at a home in regional Victoria, where two children were inside at the time. Police were called to Christie Ave in Cobram - about 260km north of Melbourne - at about 5am on Tuesday. The body of a 32-year-old woman was found inside. Two young children - both unharmed - were also inside the home. A 45-year-old man, who police say was known to the woman, has been arrested. 'Detectives from the Homicide Squad are headed to the scene and will interview the man in relation to the woman's death,' a Victoria Police spokesperson said. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. - NewsWire A woman has been found dead at a home in regional Victoria, where two children were inside at the time. Police were called to Christie Ave in Cobram - about 260km north of Melbourne - at about 5am on Tuesday. The body of a 32-year-old woman was found inside. Two young children - both unharmed - were also inside the home. A 45-year-old man, who police say was known to the woman, has been arrested. 'Detectives from the Homicide Squad are headed to the scene and will interview the man in relation to the woman's death,' a Victoria Police spokesperson said. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. - NewsWire New wall along footpath causing drama on the Gold Coast Construction in the front yard of a property on one of the Gold Coast's most exclusive streets is causing quite a stir – but council says the owners have done nothing wrong. The property on Hedges Avenue, which runs along the coastline in Mermaid Beach, has undergone extensive changes recently and developers have opted to build a wall right up to its boundary. But that has severely restricted access for pedestrians, and with added fencing while construction occurs, it has forced people into the road. Councillor Nick Marshall ordered an investigation after receiving multiple complaints from the community but it turns out the owners are well within their rights. 'Neither the builder or the owner have actually done anything wrong because the boundary line for the property is just 80cm off the road and, at some point, the road was widened and the path crossed into the boundaries,' he said, the Gold Coat Bulletin reported. Construction in the front yard of a property on one of the Gold Coast's most exclusive streets is causing quite a stir – but council says the owners have done nothing wrong. The property on Hedges Avenue, which runs along the coastline in Mermaid Beach, has undergone extensive changes recently and developers have opted to build a wall right up to its boundary. But that has severely restricted access for pedestrians, and with added fencing while construction occurs, it has forced people into the road. Councillor Nick Marshall ordered an investigation after receiving multiple complaints from the community but it turns out the owners are well within their rights. 'Neither the builder or the owner have actually done anything wrong because the boundary line for the property is just 80cm off the road and, at some point, the road was widened and the path crossed into the boundaries,' he said, the Gold Coat Bulletin reported. Grim rain record broken for Sydney Well those in Sydney won't be too surprised to learn that its been the wettest August in 27 years. And while it's been a miserable few years in terms of rain, the past six-year period has actually broken an unwanted record. Analysis from the ABC's meteorologist Tom Saunders shows that the period from January 2020 to now is the wettest six-year stretch seen since records began at Sydney's Observatory Hill in 1858 – and there's still four months to go. Saunders says there has been stronger and more frequent winds from the east, bringing more moisture in from the Tasman Sea, and said it could lead to Sydney and other parts of the east coast shifting to wetter climates over time. Well those in Sydney won't be too surprised to learn that its been the wettest August in 27 years. And while it's been a miserable few years in terms of rain, the past six-year period has actually broken an unwanted record. Analysis from the ABC's meteorologist Tom Saunders shows that the period from January 2020 to now is the wettest six-year stretch seen since records began at Sydney's Observatory Hill in 1858 – and there's still four months to go. Saunders says there has been stronger and more frequent winds from the east, bringing more moisture in from the Tasman Sea, and said it could lead to Sydney and other parts of the east coast shifting to wetter climates over time. Flybuys rolls out checkout savings at Bunnings Those with a Flybuys account will be pleased to learn they can now opt to use their points at the checkout in Bunnings. "Whether it's potting mix, power tools, or prepping for a weekend DIY project, members can unlock value when they shop in-store, with every 2,000 points equivalent to $10 off, applied directly at the checkout," Bunnings and Flybuys announced on Tuesday. The option will commence today across Australia following a successful trial in WA, and mirrors a system successfully rolled out by Coles previously. Those with a Flybuys account will be pleased to learn they can now opt to use their points at the checkout in Bunnings. "Whether it's potting mix, power tools, or prepping for a weekend DIY project, members can unlock value when they shop in-store, with every 2,000 points equivalent to $10 off, applied directly at the checkout," Bunnings and Flybuys announced on Tuesday. The option will commence today across Australia following a successful trial in WA, and mirrors a system successfully rolled out by Coles previously. Tragic details after baby found in drain Police have launched a major investigation after a baby's body was discovered inside a stormwater drain in Perth's northern suburbs. Tradesmen cleaning the drains on La Salle Road made the tragic discovery in Alexander Heights at about 1pm on Monday. The baby was 'just days old' and found wrapped in a sheet, The West Australian has reported. A police spokesman said multiple resources had been sent to the location as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. It is understood ambulance crews were initially called but were stood down. Police also issued an emergency alert on Monday evening to all Perth maternity hospitals with concerns for the welfare of the mother. Detectives remained at the scene late on Monday, after police spent the afternoon doorknocking nearby residents. It has been reported a large portion of the road remained blocked off to the public well into Monday evening. - NewsWire Police have launched a major investigation after a baby's body was discovered inside a stormwater drain in Perth's northern suburbs. Tradesmen cleaning the drains on La Salle Road made the tragic discovery in Alexander Heights at about 1pm on Monday. The baby was 'just days old' and found wrapped in a sheet, The West Australian has reported. A police spokesman said multiple resources had been sent to the location as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. It is understood ambulance crews were initially called but were stood down. Police also issued an emergency alert on Monday evening to all Perth maternity hospitals with concerns for the welfare of the mother. Detectives remained at the scene late on Monday, after police spent the afternoon doorknocking nearby residents. It has been reported a large portion of the road remained blocked off to the public well into Monday evening. - NewsWire Australia slams Israel's 'unjustified' visa move Foreign Minister Penny Wong has slammed Israel's decision to revoke visas for Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority as 'unjustified'. Her counterpart in Israel, Gideon Sa'ar, announced the move overnight in response to Australia cancelling a visa for a far-right Israeli MP. It is the heaviest blow to the bilateral relationship, which has been severely strained by the Albanese government's opposition to large-scale civilian suffering in Gaza. 'At a time when dialogue and diplomacy are needed more than ever, the Netanyahu Government is isolating Israel and undermining international efforts towards peace and a two-state solution,' Senator Wong said in a statement. 'This is an unjustified reaction, following Australia's decision to recognise Palestine. 'We will continue to work with partners as we contribute international momentum to a two-state solution, a ceasefire in Gaza and release of the hostages.' Read more from NewsWire here. Foreign Minister Penny Wong has slammed Israel's decision to revoke visas for Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority as 'unjustified'. Her counterpart in Israel, Gideon Sa'ar, announced the move overnight in response to Australia cancelling a visa for a far-right Israeli MP. It is the heaviest blow to the bilateral relationship, which has been severely strained by the Albanese government's opposition to large-scale civilian suffering in Gaza. 'At a time when dialogue and diplomacy are needed more than ever, the Netanyahu Government is isolating Israel and undermining international efforts towards peace and a two-state solution,' Senator Wong said in a statement. 'This is an unjustified reaction, following Australia's decision to recognise Palestine. 'We will continue to work with partners as we contribute international momentum to a two-state solution, a ceasefire in Gaza and release of the hostages.' Read more from NewsWire here. Trump laughs at Zelensky's suit joke Donald Trump couldn't help but laugh. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who of course is a former comedian, took control in the White House on Monday (local time), just months after a difficult encounter with Trump where he was heavily criticised in front of the cameras. One of Trump's qualms that time was Zelensky's attire. His olive green military-style outfit was called out by suit-wearing Trump, and some reporters in the room appeared to share the opinion a more formal outfit was needed. Zelenskiy's garb at that February meeting featured in a disastrous session with Trump in which the two leaders bickered and the Ukrainian president was escorted out of the White House early, without lunch. On Monday, backed by European allies, Zelensky showed up for his talks with Trump wearing more formal attire, with Trump visibly impressed. A reporter who had asked Zelensky in February why he was not wearing a suit complimented the Ukrainian leader on the attire he chose for his latest visit. "You look fabulous in that suit," the reporter said. Trump chimed in: "I said the same thing". Clearly far more comfortable with proceedings, he managed to get a cheeky last response to the journalist. "You're wearing the same suit," he told the reporter, drawing laughter from the room. "I changed." You can watch the moment below. Donald Trump couldn't help but laugh. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who of course is a former comedian, took control in the White House on Monday (local time), just months after a difficult encounter with Trump where he was heavily criticised in front of the cameras. One of Trump's qualms that time was Zelensky's attire. His olive green military-style outfit was called out by suit-wearing Trump, and some reporters in the room appeared to share the opinion a more formal outfit was needed. Zelenskiy's garb at that February meeting featured in a disastrous session with Trump in which the two leaders bickered and the Ukrainian president was escorted out of the White House early, without lunch. On Monday, backed by European allies, Zelensky showed up for his talks with Trump wearing more formal attire, with Trump visibly impressed. A reporter who had asked Zelensky in February why he was not wearing a suit complimented the Ukrainian leader on the attire he chose for his latest visit. "You look fabulous in that suit," the reporter said. Trump chimed in: "I said the same thing". Clearly far more comfortable with proceedings, he managed to get a cheeky last response to the journalist. "You're wearing the same suit," he told the reporter, drawing laughter from the room. "I changed." You can watch the moment below. Children targeted in e-bike crackdown Children are the target of Queensland Police's latest e-bike crackdown as momentum to get to grips with their illegal use continues to grow nationally. Police in Brisbane have launched Operation X-ray Stamp this month to target the illegal and dangerous use of e-scooters and e-bikes along the city's popular Kedron Brook Bikeway. "With many offences involving children, the operation strongly focuses on educating both children and their parents about their responsibilities and the consequences of allowing their child's illegal use of these devices," Queensland Police said on Tuesday. 'The main issues we see with e-scooters and e-bikes include unlicensed driving of unregistered vehicles, speeding, dangerous driving such as swerving in and out of pedestrians, and illegal modifications," Senior Sergeant Saskia Toohey said. 'Our focus is on education and engagement, but the QPS will take enforcement action, including issuing fines or confiscating non-compliant devices, if necessary, to stop unsafe behaviour." So with the latest effort to get to grips with the issue, we're asking you if you think authorities are doing enough when it comes to the illegal use of e-transport. Have your say below. Children are the target of Queensland Police's latest e-bike crackdown as momentum to get to grips with their illegal use continues to grow nationally. Police in Brisbane have launched Operation X-ray Stamp this month to target the illegal and dangerous use of e-scooters and e-bikes along the city's popular Kedron Brook Bikeway. "With many offences involving children, the operation strongly focuses on educating both children and their parents about their responsibilities and the consequences of allowing their child's illegal use of these devices," Queensland Police said on Tuesday. 'The main issues we see with e-scooters and e-bikes include unlicensed driving of unregistered vehicles, speeding, dangerous driving such as swerving in and out of pedestrians, and illegal modifications," Senior Sergeant Saskia Toohey said. 'Our focus is on education and engagement, but the QPS will take enforcement action, including issuing fines or confiscating non-compliant devices, if necessary, to stop unsafe behaviour." So with the latest effort to get to grips with the issue, we're asking you if you think authorities are doing enough when it comes to the illegal use of e-transport. Have your say below. Trump makes big promise to Ukraine Donald Trump has told President Volodymyr Zelensky the US would help guarantee Ukraine's security in any deal to end Russia's war there, though the extent of any assistance was not immediately clear. Trump made the pledge during an extraordinary summit at the White House, where he hosted Zelensky and a group of European allies days after Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska and months after a disastrous Oval Office meeting that saw Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly criticise the Ukrainian leader. A peace deal appeared far from imminent, however. Just before the talks began, Russia's Foreign Ministry ruled out the deployment of troops from NATO countries to help secure a peace deal, adding complications to Trump's offer. Both Trump and Zelenskiy said they hoped Monday's gathering would eventually lead to three-way talks with Putin. The Kremlin has not yet publicly accepted such a meeting, and it remains to be seen whether Putin, whose forces have been slowly grinding forward in eastern Ukraine, is prepared to sit down with Zelenskiy or make meaningful concessions. Read more here. Donald Trump has told President Volodymyr Zelensky the US would help guarantee Ukraine's security in any deal to end Russia's war there, though the extent of any assistance was not immediately clear. Trump made the pledge during an extraordinary summit at the White House, where he hosted Zelensky and a group of European allies days after Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska and months after a disastrous Oval Office meeting that saw Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly criticise the Ukrainian leader. A peace deal appeared far from imminent, however. Just before the talks began, Russia's Foreign Ministry ruled out the deployment of troops from NATO countries to help secure a peace deal, adding complications to Trump's offer. Both Trump and Zelenskiy said they hoped Monday's gathering would eventually lead to three-way talks with Putin. The Kremlin has not yet publicly accepted such a meeting, and it remains to be seen whether Putin, whose forces have been slowly grinding forward in eastern Ukraine, is prepared to sit down with Zelenskiy or make meaningful concessions. Read more here.
CBS News
10 minutes ago
- CBS News
California is seeing spike in tick-borne illness anaplasmosis, experts warn
Ticks carrying a disease called anaplasmosis are spreading quickly throughout California, experts say. The disease is mainly showing up in dogs. Since dogs spend more time outdoors, experts say rising cases in pets could signal that humans may soon be at greater risk. More than half of the state's counties are now considered "high risk," according to the nonprofit group Companion Animal Parasite Council's data. "There's not a lot of awareness in California because most people think it's primarily a disease of the Upper Midwest and Northeast," said Dr. Jane Sykes, a professor of veterinary medicine at UC Davis. The culprit is the same western black-legged tick that spreads Lyme disease. In dogs, anaplasmosis can cause fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss. In some cases, dogs may also experience nosebleeds, neck pain, or even seizures. "They kind of look depressed, dull, they don't want to move," Sykes said. "They have a fever, and sometimes they can develop vomiting." Veterinarians say diagnosis can be difficult, especially if owners don't mention that their dogs are often in tick-prone areas, making awareness critical. The good news: the illness can be treated quickly with antibiotics. "It doesn't matter when you give the antibiotics, it just costs more to have your dog in the hospital, not feeling well, going back in and out of veterinary clinics before the right diagnosis is made," Sykes explained. According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council, between 2021 and 2024 the number of dogs testing positive for the illness nearly tripled. More than half of California's counties are now at "high risk," including Yolo, Placer, and El Dorado counties. Veterinarians say the best way to keep dogs safe is year-round tick and flea prevention, as well as examining pets after walks in grassy or wooded areas.
CBS News
11 minutes ago
- CBS News
Washington bike show canceled after local bar says they were targeted and attacked by motorcycle club
The City of Washington's Rally on Main bike show has been canceled after a local bar says it was targeted and attacked by a motorcycle club. The city announced Monday afternoon that this year's event that was set to feature live music, food trucks, vendors, and a best of show motorcycle competition has been canceled and said it was "due to an unfortunate event that occurred in Washington County over the weekend." Forty Bar & Grille later said on social media that their establishment was targeted in a "brutal and unprovoked attack" at the hands of an area motorcycle club on Saturday night. The bar said the the violent act was traumatic and caused several bartenders and guests to hide in the basement while the attack was going on. "We want to make it absolutely clear: our bar had no affiliation, engagement, or prior dealings with this motorcycle club," the bar said. "We were victims of their intimidation and violence. Our only priority in that moment was protecting the people inside our establishment." The bar said that the aftermath of the attack has left the community shaken and that as a result of the weekend's events, this year's Rally on Main cannot move forward. "To our loyal patrons, our incredible staff, and the greater Washington community: please know that your safety will always remain our top priority," the bar said. "We are cooperating fully with law enforcement to ensure justice is served and that those responsible are held accountable." KDKA has reached out to the Washington County District Attorney's Office and the Pennsylvania State Police for more information about the alleged attack. The City of Washington says Rally on Main will return next August.
