Police said a restaurant employee is accused of shooting another worker during a crowded brunch service Sunday morning.
DURHAM, N.C. — A Mother’s Day brunch crowd fled a popular Durham restaurant Sunday after police said an employee shot another man during an argument inside the business, leaving the victim hospitalized in critical condition and ending one of the restaurant industry’s busiest mornings in chaos.
Durham police arrested 55-year-old Samer Suliman Al-Mahmoud after the shooting at Silver Spoon restaurant on North Roxboro Street. Investigators said the violence began during a fight involving employees shortly before noon. Witnesses described panic inside the packed dining room as customers rushed for exits and staff members shouted for families to leave immediately. Authorities said Al-Mahmoud faces a charge of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury. He remained in custody Monday ahead of a scheduled court appearance.
Police responded to the restaurant around 11:30 a.m. Sunday after reports of gunfire inside the building. Officers arrived to find customers gathered outside while emergency crews treated the victim. Investigators later said the wounded man had tried to break up a fight between two employees before one of them opened fire. Employees at the restaurant told local reporters the victim was the owner of the business and related to the suspect through marriage. Several witnesses said the argument appeared to begin in the kitchen area before moving into a more public space inside the restaurant. Families celebrating Mother’s Day scrambled to escape after hearing what many first believed was a balloon popping. David Denney, who was dining with relatives, said confusion quickly turned into fear when employees began yelling for customers to get out. Some diners left personal belongings behind while running outside.
Authorities have not released additional details about what caused the confrontation or whether the suspect used a legally owned firearm. Police said the victim suffered serious injuries and was transported to a hospital for emergency treatment. Employees at the restaurant told reporters the man had been shot in the stomach. Officers also said two other people were taken to a hospital with injuries connected to the fight, though those injuries were not believed to be life-threatening. Investigators spent several hours collecting evidence Sunday as yellow crime-scene tape surrounded the restaurant parking lot. Durham police vehicles blocked entrances while detectives interviewed workers, customers and nearby business employees. Court records showed Al-Mahmoud was being held without bond ahead of his first appearance in Durham County court Monday morning. Police have not said whether additional charges could follow as the investigation continues.
The shooting rattled longtime customers who described Silver Spoon as a familiar gathering place in north Durham. The restaurant is known locally for breakfast and brunch service and was especially crowded because of the Mother’s Day holiday. Several residents posting online said they regularly visit the business and knew the owners personally. Community reaction also reflected broader concern about violence in public spaces during family gatherings. The incident occurred almost exactly one year after another high-profile Mother’s Day restaurant shooting in Raleigh. In that case, gunfire erupted during a fight at a Big Ed’s restaurant, injuring several people and leading to multiple arrests. While investigators have not connected the two incidents, both shootings happened during packed brunch hours on one of the restaurant industry’s busiest weekends. The Durham shooting renewed discussion among residents about workplace disputes escalating into violence in crowded public settings.
Durham police said detectives continue reviewing witness statements and physical evidence gathered from inside the restaurant. Investigators are also expected to examine surveillance footage and determine how the dispute escalated before the shooting. Prosecutors formally charged Al-Mahmoud with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, a felony under North Carolina law that carries the possibility of significant prison time if convicted. Court officials scheduled his first appearance for 11 a.m. Monday in Durham County. The victim’s medical condition could influence whether additional or upgraded charges are filed later. Authorities have not announced whether prosecutors plan to seek an indictment or request continued detention without bond after the initial hearing. Restaurant operations also remained uncertain Monday as police continued processing evidence and employees dealt with the aftermath of the violence.
Outside the restaurant Sunday afternoon, shaken customers comforted relatives and tried to piece together what had happened inside moments earlier. Some stood near parked cars while officers directed traffic away from the area. Witnesses described seeing families carrying children through the parking lot while sirens echoed along North Roxboro Street. Several diners said the scene shifted from a normal holiday brunch to confusion within seconds. Denney said he initially stayed seated because he believed the loud noise came from a celebration item or kitchen accident. He said fear spread quickly once staff members urgently told everyone to evacuate. Online community groups later filled with messages from residents expressing support for the restaurant workers and concern for the victim’s recovery. By Sunday evening, police tape still surrounded parts of the business while detectives remained at the scene documenting evidence.
The investigation remained active Monday as Durham police prepared for the suspect’s court appearance and awaited updates on the victim’s condition. Authorities said additional information would be released as detectives complete interviews and review evidence collected from the restaurant.
Author note: Last updated May 11, 2026.