Tempers Flare as Customers Load Up on Pandemic Supplies

Tempers are reportedly running high at stores where coronavirus-panicked customers are fear-shopping.

In two separate altercations – one at a Brooklyn Costco, and another at a Georgia Sam’s Club – erupted on Thursday  as customers were stocking up on water, sanitizers and food supplies.

In footage reportedly taken at a Brooklyn Costco, two customers got into a heated argument while standing in line. An employee finally intervened, begging: “As human beings, we’ve got to come together at a time like this.”

Also on Thursday, video uploaded to Twitter showed two customers in a brawl in front of what appears to be a refrigerated section. The violence erupted at a Sam’s Club in Hiram, Ga., CBS affiliate WSB-TV reported.

In video of the altercation, a man is being taken out on a stretcher with police officers.

WSB reported the men both grabbed wine bottles and began hitting each other in the store after a previous confrontation resulting from one of the customers hitting the other one’s shopping cart.

Police tamped down rumors the fight was over water, hand sanitizer or other coronavirus-related items people have been stocking up on.

Related Stories:

• Trump Announces National Emergency; Pelosi Touts Deal on Pandemic Aid
• Fauci Won't Rule out US Shutdown Over Coronavirus