Man who left kids in McDonald’s to go to job interview gets wave of support

A man who was arrested after leaving his children in a McDonald’s to attend a job interview has received an outpouring of support from the general public.

Chris Louis, a 24-year-old father from Augusta, Georgia, took his 10-year old, 6-year old, and 1-year old children to a McDonald’s with a playground close to where his job interview was on March 22, and left them for a short time so he could try to get employment, according to The Augusta Press.

A customer called the police, and Louis was arrested and charged with “deprivation of a minor.” Now, his story has caught the attention of the public, including ex-NFL player Antonio Brown, who set up a GoFundMe to support Louis and his family.

Brown, who is also a vocal Trump supporter, said: “Story caught me by surprise. A dad just trying to find a way to make money for his family. I know he shouldn’t just leave his kids, but some people don’t have the means for babysitting, etc.”

Newsweek has contacted Augusta Solicitor General, Omeeka P. Loggins, for comment via email.

Why It Matters

People speaking out in support of Louis are saying that he should not be punished with a criminal record for trying to get a job so that he could provide for his family. They are also expressing anger at the cost of living in the U.S., and the fact that a criminal record will make it even more difficult for him to get a job in the future.

Brown appears to have support online from liberals and conservatives, who are frustrated with the criminal justice system.

What To Know

Louis’ arrest was first reported by The Augusta Press on March 31. They said a witness reported him when they saw his three kids playing in the playground alone. According to the witness, he left the McDonald’s at 4:30 p.m. and returned at around 6:18 p.m.

The Augusta Press reported that Louis walked his kids to the McDonald’s and, because he did not have a car, felt more comfortable leaving them there during his interview. He then picked them up to walk them home.

Officers were called to the scene, and the children were collected by their mother while Louis was taken into custody.

His story took off online after X account WORLDSTARHIPHOP posted about it. The post, which has been viewed 5.1million times, was then shared by Antonio Brown, whose repost received 53,000 likes.

Three GoFundMe pages, including the one by Antonio Brown, have been set up in support of Louis. They have raised a total of $39,286 so far.

His story has also gone viral on X (formerly Twitter).

One post from journalist Claire de Lune, which received 1,700 likes, stated: “So much of how this country operates is essentially making it illegal to be poor and simultaneously impossible to get out of poverty”

This sentiment was echoed in a GoFundMe set up by a man named Alfred Johnson, who said: “Chris didn’t abandon his kids—he was doing the best he could in an impossible situation. He didn’t have a car, childcare, or a support system. What he did have was the will to change his family’s circumstances.”

Arthur Watkins Jr., a trustee of the Freedmen Reparations Fund Trust said he has written a letter to District Attorney Jared Williams, calling for him to dismiss Louis’ charges.

Williams told Newsweek that this case is a misdemeanor, and that his office handles felonies.

Sentiments in favor of Louis also touch on parenting norms. Hannah Cox, founder of BASEDPolitics, said on X: “Helicopter parenting culture has to end, this is insane. A 10 year old looking after their siblings in a safe space for a short period of time while their parent does something next door was normal like 30 years ago.”

This sentiment has received pushback from others, who say that a lot of things, such as smoking indoors, were normal 30 years ago, but that does not make them right.

Not everyone online has been supportive of Louis. Several people have said that a 10-year old should not have to look after a 1-year old no matter the circumstances.

Host of Conspiracy Pill, Abby Libby said on X: “If it was just the 6 and 10 year old I’d agree with you, but leaving a 10 year old alone in a public place with a 1 year old AND another young sibling is over the line imo.”

What People Are Saying

Arthur Watkins Jr., on X: “Let’s be clear: Poverty is not a crime, survival should not be prosecuted, adding a criminal record only worsens access to employment.”

Alfred Johnson’s GoFundMe: “I don’t know Chris personally, but I know people like him—people who are doing the best they can with the hand they were dealt. That’s why I felt compelled to do something…Let’s show what compassion looks like. Chris deserves a chance—not a criminal record—for trying to better his family’s life.”

What Happens Next

Louis appears to still be in custody at this time. It is unclear when his court case is set for.