Detectives release images of Israeli flag-waving men wanted in Brooklyn attack: police
Police on Wednesday released surveillance images of the suspects wanted in a Brooklyn bias attack against an 18-year-old Palestinian man as ripples from the war in the Middle East continued to hit New York.
The six men were spotted waving Israeli flags from three cars as they rolled up to the victim and two others on 86th St. near Fourth Ave. in Bay Ridge about 11:15 p.m. on Oct. 11, police said.
“F— Palestine! F— Islam!” the men screamed as they jumped out of the vehicles and zeroed in on the 18-year-old, punching and kicking him, cops said.
They then ran back to their cars and sped off.
The victim refused medical attention as police arrived, but later took himself to the hospital to be treated, cops said. His two friends, ages 19 and 20, were not harmed, cops said.
No arrests have been made. The NYPD’S Hate Crimes Unit is investigating.
Cops on Wednesday released surveillance images that showed the attackers, who were all wearing dark colored sweatshirts and hoodies, running back to their cars. All of them are believed to be in their late teens or early 20s.
The attack came a few days after the beginning of the Israeli war and as heated anti-Palestinian and anti-Israeli protests were held in the city.
Late last week, NYPD officers were ordered to show up for work in uniform as they prepared for more protests, and possible violence, in response to a call by former Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal for Palestinians to support Palestine and fight Israel, although no violence occurred in the city.
Hate crimes against Muslims are down by 50% this year, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said Tuesday. Anti-Semetic hate crimes are also down, he said.
Following Hamas’ raid on Israel, there have been a handful of anti-Semitic hate crimes, but nothing violent besides a few pushes and “people yelling words” Kenny said.
Anyone with information regarding the men wanted in the Bay Ridge attack is urged to call NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.
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