<p>FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — A group of Black soldiers was recently harassed at a northern Virginia restaurant by a woman who used racist language, according to video of the incident that was shared widely on social media. </p>
<p>A Fort Belvoir public affairs spokesperson told Washington TV station <a href="https://www.wusa9.com/article/features/race/lorton-virginia-ihop-racist-harassment-soldier-fort-belvoir-video/65-c310ea29-1169-4b68-8e2a-955dea9d2187">WUSA </a> that the woman initially offered to pay for the soldiers’ meal but later returned and claimed they had taken her money before using racist language toward the men. </p>
<p>The video also shows the woman threatening another person who tried to intervene.</p>
<p>The soldiers left the IHOP restaurant, returned to the base and reported the incident to their leadership, the station reported.</p>
<p>“A view of the video will show the Soldiers maintained their composure and military bearing throughout this shocking incident,” the spokesperson said in a statement. </p>
<p>In a statement, IHOP said the incident wasn’t reflective of its commitment to creating “a warm and hospitable dining experience for all guests.”</p>
<p>Elaine Baldwin, the mother of one of the men, told the station the video highlights the ongoing struggle against racism. </p>
<p>“I hope it brings awareness to everyone around the world that this can’t continue to happen,” she said. </p>
