Two Hamilton men have been charged with assault with a weapon after taping themselves apparently flinging a cheeseburger at a sleeping elderly man inside a Barton Street McDonald's and posting it online.

It happened around 1 a.m. at the McDonald's at 787 Barton St. E., police say.

In a video that has since been taken down, the two men can allegedly be seen laughing and putting a half eaten burger into a cup of Fruitopia, and then hurling it at an unsuspecting man who was asleep at a table.

Reaction was swift online, as the video was shared and their actions were denounced.

Police received several tips about the video, and launched an investigation. On Thursday, two 23-year-old men turned themselves in at the east-end station and were both charged with assault with a weapon.

In this case, the burger in question can be considered a weapon, Const. Steve Welton told CBC Hamilton.

“If it’s used with the intent to cause harm or injury, it’s considered a weapon,” he said.

The elderly victim in the incident did not sustain any injuries that required medical attention, police say.