On July 15, 2025, I stopped at this Pilot location as a domestic violence survivor traveling with my three small children. We needed to shower and regroup. It took nearly three hours -- because I have toddlers with natural Black hair, and I had to carefully wash their bodies, brush teeth, and keep them from touching the dirty floors. I did everything alone, as any protective mother would.
As we exited the shower, two large, unleashed pit bulls charged us in the parking lot. My children screamed in fear. I was holding one baby and shielding the others while yelling and praying for help. Staff witnessed the entire incident and did absolutely nothing.
The owners of the dogs were four white individuals -- only one of them halfheartedly attempted to wrangle the dogs. The others stood by, smirking, and waited until I had all my children back inside the car. Then they began using racial slurs, trying to provoke and intimidate me.
Not one employee checked on us. Not one person offered help. No police were called. No concern was shown for my terrified babies.
I reported this to Pilot Corporate on July 18th. Weeks passed in silence. Today, I finally got an email -- and instead of concern or accountability, they told me I would need a subpoena just to view the surveillance footage that could show my children being attacked.
That is not just inhumane -- that is evidence tampering, plain and simple.
If we had been white, there would have been apologies, EMTs, cameras, and comfort. But because we are Black -- nothing.
I carry this trauma alone. My children still talk about the dogs. I still relive it every time we stop somewhere new.
But by the grace of the Most High, we are still here. We were protected. And I will never stop speaking the truth.
Pilot Flying J: your location is unsafe. Your silence is violent. Your response is unacceptable. And justice will be served. read more