Six anti-vaxxer demonstrators were arrested at a Cheesecake Factory restaurant in New York after staging a “sit-in” protest. The incident resulted in the restaurant chain becoming a trending topic on Twitter.

The demonstration took place on Tuesday at a location in the Queens Center Mall. Of the estimated 30 protestors, six were arrested after rushing past the restaurant's host stand and seating themselves at tables without showing their vaccination cards.

The protestors were asked to leave for violating the restaurant’s COVID-19 policy. Around 7 p.m., the police were called after the demonstrators refused to leave the restaurant.

When police arrived, they arrested and charged Eric Bascon, 38; Mitchell Bosch, 42; Graig Young, 37; Raymond Velez, 36; Augusto Alarcon, 39; and Steven Wavra, 67. The six men were charged with criminal trespassing.

An hour-long video, which was initially posted on Instagram, showed several anti-vaxxers seated at tables in the restaurant and demanding service.

Around 45 minutes into the video, some of the protestors began to discuss the possibility of getting arrested. While some of the members were willing to make the sacrifice for the cause, others were not as committed.

By Wednesday, “Cheesecake Factory” became a trending topic on Twitter with users reacting to the arrests.

“Imagine a world where someone who is antivax chooses to make their stand at a Cheesecake Factory in NYC,” one user posted.

Another user suggested the NYPD acted appropriately by arresting the protestors. “There it is folks. The perfect response to the antivaxxer domestic disturbance at a NYC Cheesecake Factory today. They were all rounded up and thrown in jail as they deserve,” the post read.

On Wednesday, The Cheesecake Factory released a statement on its official Twitter account addressing the incident.

“The events that took place at our Queens, NY restaurant on 12/14 were unfortunate. The health and safety of our staff members and guests is our top priority and we are complying with the local ordinance concerning Covid-19 vaccine requirements,” the statement read.

The post also included a link to the frequently asked questions page about vaccinations and mask requirements for businesses and venues in New York.

US restaurants bore the brunt of the layoffs caused by the pandemic downturn and were again hammered by the Delta wave, but saw strong hiring in October
US restaurants bore the brunt of the layoffs caused by the pandemic downturn and were again hammered by the Delta wave, but saw strong hiring in October AFP / Ed JONES
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