Viral Video of Man Being Pushed, Hit with Shopping Cart Leads to New Hate Crime Policy in Virginia By Ashley Vega

A viral video showing a man being shoved and struck with groceries inside a Virginia supermarket put a spotlight on alleged instances of bias-motivated violence during the holidays. 

Weeks later, Alexandria police announced a new hate crime and bias-incident policy designed to formalize how those cases are handled.

Speaking at a press conference, Alexandria police said the policy had been in development for more than a year and was rooted in the department’s broader commitment to civil and human rights. Officials emphasized that the work was already underway before the grocery store incident captured public attention.

The incident occurred on the afternoon of Dec. 25 at a Giant grocery store on Duke Street in Alexandria. Police said a man was assaulted by a woman he did not know while shopping.

Based on statements made before and during the encounter, investigators believed the victim was targeted because of his sexual orientation, per the Alexandria Police Department’s press conference. During the incident, the woman pushed him, shoved a shopping cart at him and made derogatory remarks, according to police.

Video of the confrontation, recorded by the victim, later circulated widely on social media. Officers responded to a 9-1-1 call reporting a fight inside the store, but said the suspect fled the scene in her vehicle.

Police later identified the woman as 34-year-old Shibritney Colbert of Landover, Maryland. Because she lived outside Virginia, Alexandria police coordinated with multiple agencies to locate and apprehend her.

Authorities obtained three arrest warrants and a summons, and Colbert was taken into custody on Jan. 8, 2026. She remained held at the Prince George’s County Jail while awaiting extradition to Alexandria, police said.

Colbert was charged with felony eluding, assault and battery, destruction of property and driving an unregistered vehicle. Police said the case was being evaluated for potential bias-based penalty enhancements under Virginia law.

Related Stories

Slain Wife of Ohio Dentist Divorced Ex-Husband — Now Charged with Murders — Because They Were ‘Incompatible’: Filings

Notre Dame Football Coach Facing Battery Allegation Following Incident at Son’s High School Wrestling Match

Alexandria Police Chief Tarrick McGuire said the department intended to take a firm stance against hate-motivated conduct. “If you engage in this type of behavior, if you have hate and bias in your heart, we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law,” he said.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The newly adopted policy established formal standards for identifying, documenting and reviewing hate crimes and bias incidents. It was developed with input from community advocates, civil rights organizations and faith leaders across Alexandria.

Leaders involved in the process said the goal was to ensure consistency and accountability while building trust with residents, as police encourage anyone who experiences or witnesses bias-motivated behavior to report it.