"I'll Give You a Corona Hug" Man Forced Hugs Customers and Flees at US Walmart

On the 15th (local time), in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA, an incident occurred at Walmart where a man claimed he would infect people with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and randomly hugged customers before fleeing. / Photo by Springfield Police Department, MA

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] An incident occurred at a Walmart in Massachusetts, USA, where a man randomly hugged other customers under the pretext of giving a so-called 'COVID hug' and then fled.

According to US broadcaster Fox News and others on the 23rd (local time), the man carried out this act around 7:10 PM on the 15th at a Walmart in Springfield, Massachusetts, before fleeing.

The Springfield police stated that the man was wearing a black T-shirt, camouflage-patterned shorts, and a black mask, and approached other customers randomly to hug them. During this process, it was reported that the man forcibly hugged victims after snatching items from their hands.

Additionally, the man reportedly told one victim, "I'm giving you a COVID hug," and "You are now infected with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)." However, the police have not confirmed whether the man was actually infected with COVID-19.

Ryan Wilsey, a police spokesperson, explained in an interview with a Springfield local media outlet, "It is unknown whether the suspect was infected with COVID-19," but added, "Even if not infected, he faces charges of violence and terror threats."

The police released the suspect's description to the public in order to apprehend him.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.