The ax-wielding suspect whose violent rampage at a New York McDonald’s restaurant was caught on camera was released without bail after a hearing on Sunday, according to reports. Michael Palacios, 31, was released without bail after being arraigned on fourth-degree felony and weapons possession charges, the New York Post reported, citing the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. Neither offense is eligible for bail under the state’s controversial criminal justice reforms. The NYPD told Fox News Digital that Palacios pulled an ax from his backpack and threatened two unidentified men inside the McDonald’s on Delancey Street on Manhattan’s Lower East Side early Friday morning. “The suspect intentionally caused material damage to the facility,” a police spokesman said. “The subject was taken into custody by responding officers. A search incident to a lawful arrest, an additional knife was recovered from his backpack. No injuries were reported by the victims.” NEW YORK MAN TERRORIZES MCDONALD’S CUSTOMERS IN CASHWATCH A New York man has been arrested and charged with multiple crimes after allegedly attacking McDonald’s customers with an ax. (@nycforyou1998/Instagram) An ax-wielding suspect in New York appears to be terrorizing McDonald’s customers. (@nycforyou1998/Instagram) The Post reported that a witness said Palacios became enraged when a woman rejected his advances. Cellphone video circulating on social media shows several men intervening and punching Palacios before backing up. Palacios, standing next to a trash can, opens his backpack and pulls out a blade. “Brother, please,” a man says as Palacios begins pounding on the wall and tables. “You better relax, boy!” shouts a male bystander. Palacio hits another male in the head. Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-NY, campaigns for governor at the annual West Indian Day Parade on September 5, 2022, in Brooklyn, New York. (Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images) A criminal complaint, cited by WGN-TV, says Palacios is accused of hitting two tables and two pieces of glass with the ax. In an interview with ABC News, Palacios said he was first attacked by three male patrons and only took the “tomahawk” out of his backpack to “get back at them” and defend himself. “My intentions were not to hurt anybody … My intentions were not to put anybody in the hospital or dice anybody,” he told ABC. “The reason I got the ax was, ‘OK, I’m going to get back at these guys… I’m going to make sure they don’t jump me again.’ “I waited for them to finish what they were doing and I did what I wanted,” he said. “Most importantly, don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself.” Palacios also admitted he had been drinking at the time and a McDonald’s security guard had denied his request to use a restroom. He said he didn’t feel charges were needed for the other men involved. New York’s Republican gubernatorial candidate, Rep. Lee Zeldin, condemned Palacios’ release on no-cash bail, a measure supported by his opponent, Democratic Gov. Kathy Hotchul. CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP “This guy tore down tables and walls at a McDonald’s, swung his ax wildly at customers and was released before his fries got cold,” Zeldin said, according to WGN-TV. “Cashless bail in New York must be abolished ASAP!” Andrew Mark Miller of Fox News contributed to this report. Danielle Wallace is a reporter for Fox News Digital covering politics, crime, police and more. Story tips can be sent to [email protected] and on Twitter: @danimwallace.
