SAN DIEGO - The shooting at the Colorado gay night club brings back some terrifying memories for staff at one restaurant in Hillcrest.
In February 2019, a man by the name of Stephano Parker used an assault style rifle and fired 20 military-grade rounds into the Golden Dragon Asian Bistro on University Avenue.
"Violence is easy," co-owner Eric Badrall told NBC 7. "Violence is the easiest thing to do. Understanding is the hardest thing to do,"
Thankfully no was shot or seriously injured in that incident. Parker pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 50 years for shooting up the restaurant but he was not convicted of a hate crime despite his anti-gay posts on Social Media.
“That’s what I think this was — someone who doesn’t accept that lifestyle and therefore just because he doesn’t accept it no one else can accept it," said Badrall.
Three years after the incident, the restaurant is still open and serving patrons. While Badrall says he still has safety concerns for his staff, he also says you can't live your life in fear.