Two New Jersey bakery owners, Abed Assad and his brother Mohammad, are recovering after a violent attack at Baladna Bakery in Paterson, stemming from a dispute over a sandwich order dating back four years. The incident, which occurred Thursday morning, saw the brothers brutally attacked by an unidentified suspect who escalated a longstanding complaint into a dangerous confrontation. According to witnesses and the bakery owners, the suspect approached the shop demanding answers about a previous order where he claimed to have been served an eggplant sandwich instead of an egg sandwich – an issue that had persisted for nearly four years. The argument quickly spiraled out of control, culminating in the suspect wielding a knife and attacking Mohammad Assad in the chest, causing serious injury. Abed Assad bravely intervened, attempting to stop the attack, and was subsequently slashed in the arm. Emergency responders swiftly transported both brothers to Saint Joseph’s University Hospital for immediate medical attention. A witness, Samer, described the chaotic scene, stating, "I heard screaming, so I went outside to see one of the bakery owners outside holding his arm. His arm was bleeding."

The incident shocked the local community, as the bakery owners are known for their friendly service. A friend of the victims, Moneer Simrin, elaborated on the suspect’s erratic behavior, explaining, "They told him, ‘OK, we’ll give you the money, we’ll give you credit, whatever you want,’ but he start acting and cursing." He continued, "And then they try to tell him, ‘OK, just get out, please, get out from the store,’ and he pulled a knife and he started, like, hitting them." Authorities are currently investigating the attack and have not yet released a description of the suspect. Paterson Mayor André Sayegh visited the affected business district on Friday, reassuring residents and shopkeepers that the police department is fully committed to apprehending the individual responsible for this "tragic, violent incident." The bakery remains closed as the brothers recover, and law enforcement is diligently pursuing all leads.

This unsettling event highlights the potential dangers of unresolved grievances and underscores the importance of respectful communication, even in seemingly minor disputes. The community is now on edge, hoping for a swift resolution and the safe return of normalcy to this once-peaceful corner of Paterson. The investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as they become available. Local authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the suspect’s identity to come forward and assist in bringing this case to a successful conclusion. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of human behavior and the lasting impact of unresolved conflicts. Further details will be released as the investigation progresses and the brothers' condition improves.