Hate crimes detectives in Midtown are searching for a suspect who allegedly assaulted a man while making anti-Muslim remarks at him on Monday night.
According to law enforcement sources, the incident unfolded in front of 666 Fifth Ave. on Aug. 5 at around 8:48 p.m. The 25-year-old victim was talking on his phone on the sidewalk when the perp approached him, punched him in the face and went on a tangent of anti-Muslim remarks, police said.
“Go back to your country,” the suspect said. He also called the victim a “terrorist,” according to police.
After the bigoted assault, the perpetrator — unknown to the victim — fled the scene on foot to parts unknown before officers from the Midtown North Precinct arrived.
Meanwhile, EMS responded and brought the victim to NYU Langone Medical Center in stable condition. He was treated for injuries to the lip and right ear.
A motive for assault has not yet been confirmed, but the NYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force is investigating.
So far no arrests have been made, but police on Tuesday released surveillance photos of the suspect at large. He is described as having a light complexion and a beard, is 5 feet, 7 or 8 inches tall, 160 pounds and approximately 25 years old. He was last seen wearing a gray hat, black T-shirt, tan shorts and black sneakers.
Anyone with information regarding the incident or the suspect’s whereabouts can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (the site formerly known as Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
