Spatula-Wielding Gymnast In California Defends In-N-Out Staff From Violent Woman

A Southern California man is being hailed as a hero after he confronted a violent customer who was threatening employees at an In-N-Out in Lake Elsinore.

Luca Opperman, 20, said he was waiting in the drive-thru line when he suddenly heard loud yelling from inside the fast-food restaurant.

“I just hear banging, super loud banging coming from the inside of the lobby,” he told KTLA’s Sandra Mitchell. “I look up and I see this lady smashing what looked like a baseball bat.”

Opperman, who is a former gymnast and freestyle trampoline athlete, said he didn’t think twice before jumping into action.

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The instinct to protect innocent people is one of the best things masculinity gives society. Young men like this are exactly who boys should be taught to admire.

— Dan Holbrook (@DanHolbrook) September 4, 2026

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20 year old man.
Men are we finally waking up? It’s time to take control, to take back civility in our country.

— Jon98 (@Jon981322943) September 5, 2026

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Hands down, the best story of the week.

— Tosca Austen (@ToscaAusten) September 6, 2026

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Luca says part of what pushed him to act was the whole narrative that Gen Z is soft … telling Harvey he wanted to prove otherwise.

Harvey told him he’s basically the poster boy for Gen Z now.

Luca’s heroics didn’t go unnoticed by In-N-Out either … he tells us the company’s COO personally reached out to thank him and hinted that some goodies may be coming his way.

Luca tells us he’d be happy with a gift card … because the only thing better than In-N-Out is free In-N-Out.

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