NYPD searching for man they say punched woman in anti-Jewish attack
Oct. 19, 2023, 7:51 a.m.
Police said the attacker told the woman he punched her "because you are Jewish."
Police on Thursday said they were looking for a man who punched a female commuter in an alleged hate crime attack Saturday.
Cops said the 29-year-old victim was standing in the 7 train passageway at the 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue subway station on Oct. 14 around 11:30 p.m. when she was punched in the face by an unidentified male.
When the woman asked why he punched her, he said “because you are Jewish,” according to police. He then fled on foot.
Police and city leaders say they are on heightened alert for any uptick in hate-based crimes since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel. Cops are still searching for nine men they say attacked a group of Palestinian and and Egyptian men while waving an Israeli flag just days after the attack.
The victim in Saturday’s subway assault suffered minor injuries in the attack.
The suspect is depicted in surveillance images as wearing blue sweatpants, a blue vest, a light blue backpack and a green cap. He has a black mustache and beard.
The NYPD Hate Crimes Unit is investigating the incident.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
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