A man in Portland is facing multiple criminal charges after allegedly targeting customers and employees with racist abuse and physical aggression inside a fast-food restaurant.
Bias Crime Charges Filed After McDonald’s Incident
Prosecutors have charged Ethan Russel Leers, 35, with misdemeanor bias crimes, harassment and disorderly conduct following a March 18 disturbance at a McDonald’s on Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
Authorities say Leers has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including a separate bias-related case from 2025.
Victims Targeted With Slurs and Violence
According to investigators, the suspect allegedly:
- Directed racist slurs at Black, Hispanic and Asian individuals
- Physically assaulted multiple people inside the restaurant
- Followed and intimidated customers, causing panic
Witnesses reported that some patrons fled the location out of fear during the incident.
Alleged Assaults Inside and Outside Restaurant
Court documents state that Leers:
- Insulted a group of Hispanic men in the parking lot
- Struck an Asian customer from behind
- Shoved another individual into a wall with enough force to shake mounted fixtures
- Verbally abused a Black employee using racial slurs
The situation escalated until police arrived on scene.
Suspect Accused of Threatening Police Officer
When confronted by officers from the Portland Police Bureau, Leers denied wrongdoing but allegedly made threatening remarks toward an officer, including challenging him to a fight.
Previous Bias Crime Case Still Pending
Leers is also facing charges related to a 2025 incident in Gresham, where he is accused of:
- Yelling racial slurs
- Throwing objects at a residence
- Breaking into a vehicle
He has also pleaded not guilty in that case.
Rise in Bias Crime Reports Across Portland
Officials in Multnomah County report a steady increase in bias crime cases:
- 70 cases in 2023
- 79 in 2024
- 90 in 2025
Law enforcement attributes the rise partly to improved community outreach and increased reporting awareness.
Authorities Warn of Growing Concern
Prosecutors say while better reporting plays a role, broader social and global tensions may also be contributing to an increase in hate-related incidents.
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