The man who owns the D.C. Italian bistro Fiola, where protesters heckled Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, said that his employees are receiving “life-threatening” messages because of the furor.
Fabio Trabocchi, an employee at Fiola, commended how “brave” the waiters and waitresses are whom he employs.
“Personally, I am blessed to work with the staff who have handled the harassment and life-threatening messages we and our families have received in the wake of the event,” Trabocchi tweeted.
“They have shown remarkable grit and calm. It is scary to hear anger directed at you and those you love. I am lucky to work with brave people who respect our work.”
Cruz and his wife were forced to flee from the tony Washington establishment, never even getting to finish their late-night dinner.
Cruz’s senatorial opponent, Beto O’Rourke, upbraided the crowd for not showing sufficient “respect” to a senator. (RELATED: Beto O’Rourke Defends Cruz Over Heckling Crowd)
The crowd was particularly anti-Cruz, As Fox News notes, one protester was recorded saying, “Sexist, racist, anti-gay!” while another critic asked Cruz about how he planned to vote in the Brett Kavanaugh controversy and whether the believed any of the sexual misconduct claims leveled at the judge.
Without being specific, Trabocchi said he intends in the future to “ensure the ongoing and future privacy, safety and security for our staff and guests.”
“We did our best Monday night to show D.C. what it means to live, love and work in a city where all voices are welcome — and quite necessary — to make a republic work,” he continued.