Lexington Man Convicted For Attacking Black Restaurant Employee

LEXINGTON, MA — A Lexington man was convicted on assault charges after prosecutors said he shouted racial slurs inside a Boston Seaport restaurant and then smashed a glass over a Black employee's head.

Khalid Kalila, 31, originally of Morocco, was found guilty of mayhem, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury and civil rights violation with injury.

Prosecutors said the assault happened on Jan. 32, 2018, at Empire Restaurant in Boston's Seaport district. Kalila yelled racial slurs at a Black patron and became visibly aggressive, according to prosecutors.

A Black security officer for the restaurant tried to deescalate the situation and remove Kalila from the restaurant. As the employee attempted to help his co-workers kick Kalila out, Kalila smashed a highball glass over the security guard's head and then use the broken glass to stab him in the face, according to prosecutors

Prosecutors said Kalila repeatedly threatened to kill the Black employee and hurled racial slurs at him.

"We do not tolerate hate or bigotry in Suffolk County," District Attorney Rachael Rollins said in a statement. "Khalid Kalila, in a racist attack, inflicted physical and emotional injuries that could impact this victim for the rest of his life. The conviction holds Mr. Kalila accountable for his disgraceful, hate-filled, and violent actions, but it does not reverse the harm he inflicted."

During the fight, Kalila's brother, Othmane Kalila, joined in, prosecutors said. Prosecutors said the brother grabbed the victim from behind and placed him in a chokehold. Othmane Kalila was charged with assault and battery. He entered into a plea in October 2020, and the case was continued without a finding.

Emergency officials brought the security guard to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he underwent immediate surgery. The victim lost sight in one eye for several months and suffered permanent nerve damage to the left side of his face. More than three years after the attack, the victim continues to suffer from paralysis on one side of his face, Rollins said.

Khalid Kalila is scheduled to be sentenced on May 27.