The confrontation, which occurred at the Oceanway location on a Saturday afternoon, involved two teenagers, both 19 years old, who have since been apprehended by authorities. The accused, Malik McKinnon, is alleged to have shot a fellow employee, a man in his 20s, in a shocking escalation of what began as a workplace dispute.

Eyewitnesses, as detailed in the arrest report, describe the altercation igniting when Malik was instructed by a coworker to leave the premises. Tensions quickly escalated, drawing in four individuals, including Malik’s brother, Malachi McKinnon, also 19. The dispute became physical, culminating in Malik reportedly shooting the victim in the neck, a move that left the man critically injured, as confirmed by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

In the chaos that followed, Malik and his brother Malachi fled the scene. However, their attempt to evade the law was short-lived, as police swiftly located and arrested them.

During the altercation, Malik shot the victim in the neck, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. He was alive, but left with critical injuries Saturday night.

Malik and Malachi then reportedly fled the area, but were found by police a short time later.

Malik McKinnon is charged with attempted murder and carrying a concealed weapon while underage, while Malachi McKinnon was arrested for illegally carrying a concealed weapon and destroying or concealing evidence.

“We’re deeply saddened by this violent attack at our restaurant,” said Tom Lisante, the McDonald’s owner and operator, in a statement to First Coast News Sunday. “We’re keeping the victim and their loved ones in our thoughts and prayers and offering our full support to local law enforcement.”

Both men are scheduled to be arraigned in Duval County court on Feb. 10, 2026, as of this publication.