Harnden was seen last Friday evening at Moe’s, seated at the bar during happy hour, where he appeared in good spirits and was enjoying food while chatting with staff and patrons. He acknowledged that his recovery has been “tough and difficult,” but said he is on the mend and making steady progress. Harnden also shared that, in addition to being stabbed seven times during the September attack, he broke his arm in the encounter, an injury he described as one of the most challenging aspects of his recovery.
The violent incident occurred on September 18, 2025, when a man entered Moe’s through an unlocked side door before the restaurant opened and attacked Harnden with a knife. Witnesses intervened, likely saving his life, before San Diego police arrested the suspect, identified as Hector Manuel Vasquez II. Harnden was transported to the hospital in critical condition and underwent multiple surgeries.
According to updates shared through a GoFundMe campaign launched by friends and coworkers, Harnden’s recovery has included significant setbacks alongside progress. At one point, an infected stab wound on his left arm required an additional hospitalization and surgery. He also suffered radial nerve damage, limiting movement in his left arm and hand, and required more than 100 surgical staples, which have since been removed. While his overall pain has been described as manageable, sleep disruption and limited arm function have continued to complicate daily life.
Despite the severity of his injuries, Harnden has been undergoing occupational therapy and has gradually resumed activities such as driving. Friends say he remains upbeat and deeply appreciative of the outpouring of support from the Mission Beach community and beyond. The GoFundMe campaign, titled “Support Matt’s Recovery,” has raised more than $57,000 toward its $60,000 goal to help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and basic living costs while he remains unable to work.
The attack deeply rattled Mission Beach, particularly given Moe’s location in the historic former Saska’s Steakhouse building, a neighborhood anchor for decades. Harnden has previously been described by coworkers and witnesses as acting selflessly during the incident, putting himself in harm’s way in an effort to protect others inside the restaurant.
While it will still be months before Harnden can return to work, his recent appearance at Moe’s offered a visible sign of resilience and relief for a community that has closely followed his recovery since the day of the attack.
Moe’s Steakhouse is located at 3768 Mission Boulevard in San Diego’s Mission Beach neighborhood. The GoFundMe campaign supporting Matthew Harnden’s recovery remains active.
Originally published January 15, 2026.
Moe’s Steakhouse is located at 3768 Mission Boulevard in San Diego’s Mission Beach neighborhood. The GoFundMe campaign supporting Matthew Harnden’s recovery remains active.
Originally published January 15, 2026.
