Russian news outlets have reported that a drunken argument about US politics led to vandalism in a Moscow eatery
A US citizen was reportedly detained in Moscow on Monday following a heated argument over the inauguration of US President Donald, which escalated into vandalism at a local cafe, police sources have told the media.
The incident occurred on Sretenka Street in the center of the Russian capital. Both the man and his female companion were reportedly under the influence of alcohol.
In a statement given to RIA Novosti news agency, the Russian Interior Ministry said that on January 20, police received a report of a public disturbance at an eatery.
According to preliminarily information, “a man and a woman who were intoxicated in the cafe were violating public order. Officers who arrived at the scene detained both offenders and took them to the police station for investigation,” the department said.
A law enforcement source told RIA that the detained man was a US citizen, and that the argument began over with differing opinions on US presidents – with the American favoring Joe Biden and his companion supporting Donald Trump.
“While drinking alcohol in one of the capital’s cafes, [the American] began arguing with his companion about who was better – Biden or Trump . He tried to convince the woman that it would have been better for Biden to stay, and when the latter did not agree with him, they began to row,” the source said, noting that the duo’s disruptive behavior led to property damage.
Local media outlets, including the Telegram channel SHOT, have reported that the individuals in question are 44-year-old US citizen John Jordan and a 31-year-old Muscovite by the name Ruslana. Cafe staff told SHOT that the couple were speaking English and had been drinking for approximately four hours, consuming large amounts of alcohol.
Attempts by employees to deescalate the situation were reportedly unsuccessful. Reports also suggested that the individuals may have been using drugs, although this has yet to be confirmed. After police and an ambulance arrived at the scene, the offenders were taken to the toxicology department.
Local authorities are withholding further details pending an investigation.
