Peruvian prosecutors opened a preliminary investigation on Wednesday 14 October 2026 into alleged homophobic harassment and a death threat at a McDonald’s restaurant in Miraflores, Lima. The incident was filmed on Monday 12 October, and the video spread on social media.

The case matters to US readers because McDonald’s is an American brand and Miraflores is a central district of the capital. It also shows how Peru handles complaints of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

What We Know

Two men, Reinaldo Rivas and Cristhian Palomino, reported homophobic expressions, harassment and an alleged death threat from a man identified as Augusto Nava. The confrontation took place at a McDonald’s in Miraflores and was recorded on video.

RPP, a Lima news outlet, quotes Nava in the video as saying “Los mato, lo peor es que no bromeo,” which means “I’ll kill you, I’m not joking.” RPP also reports that he said homosexuality is a sin and urged the two men to repent.

On Wednesday 14 October 2026, the Public Ministry opened a preliminary investigation for alleged discrimination. The case lies with prosecutor Luis Valdivia Calderón of the First Supraprovincial Corporate Specialised Prosecutor’s Office for Human Rights and Counter-Terrorism.

Peruvian media report that prosecutors ordered urgent measures. These include reviewing security-camera and audiovisual evidence, taking statements from the victims and eyewitnesses, and ordering psychological assessments.

Investigators will also collect digital evidence of online posts and, according to Exitosa, coordinate with the National Police. A preliminary investigation is an early stage in which prosecutors gather evidence before deciding whether to bring charges.

RPP reports that Nava’s family attributed his behaviour to “Type I bipolar disorder.” The outlet adds that the family says he is currently hospitalised under psychiatric care.

We attribute that account to the family as reported by RPP. It is not a medical finding that we have confirmed, and it does not decide the legal case.

File photo: Plaza San Martín in central Lima.

What Is Not Known

The reports do not say whether prosecutors have filed charges against Nava. They also do not say whether he has been detained or questioned.

No statement from McDonald’s appeared in the reports we reviewed. We do not know whether the company has contacted the two men or reviewed its own footage.

Little is known about Nava beyond his name. A suspect is presumed innocent until a court rules, and the allegations remain unproven.

What It Means for Travelers and US Readers

The case is a local criminal matter, and the reports give no sign that it involves any other visitor or any change in travel advice. Peruvian prosecutors, not the restaurant chain, will decide what follows.

For US readers, it shows that Peru’s authorities treat alleged threats based on sexual orientation as grounds for an official investigation. The next public steps to watch are any charges, any word from McDonald’s and the outcome of the evidence review.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did prosecutors open in Peru on 14 October 2026?

The Public Ministry opened a preliminary investigation for alleged discrimination. It covers insults, harassment and threats motivated by sexual orientation or gender identity.

Who is Augusto Nava?

Augusto Nava is the name of the man accused by Reinaldo Rivas and Cristhian Palomino of homophobic harassment and a death threat. Nothing else about him has been confirmed, and he has not been convicted of anything.

What did RPP report about his health?

RPP reports that Nava’s family attributed his behaviour to Type I bipolar disorder and said he is hospitalised under psychiatric care. That is the family’s account as reported, not a confirmed medical finding.

Has McDonald’s commented on the incident?

No McDonald’s statement appeared in the reports from RPP, La República or Exitosa. The restaurant in Miraflores is where the incident was filmed on 12 October 2026.

Follow our wider Peru coverage for context on the country. We will update this report when prosecutors or McDonald’s say more.