A 15-year-old Muslim girl was walking down a street in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, on December 19th when she was targeted in a hate-fueled attack. An unidentified woman, believed to be in her 40s, approached the girl and made “anti-ethnic remarks,” according to the NYPD. The woman then proceeded to pepper-spray the teenager directly in the face.
The victim, understandably shaken, declined medical attention at the scene. The attacker fled on foot, leaving police with a blurry security camera image and a trail of disturbing details. The NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force has taken over the investigation, determined to bring the perpetrator to justice.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a prominent Muslim civil rights organization, has condemned the attack in a statement, calling for swift action and hate crime charges against the suspect. “We are deeply disturbed by this heinous act of violence against a young Muslim girl,” said Afaf Nasher, Executive Director of CAIR-NY. “This attack is not only an assault on the victim but also an attack on our entire community. We urge law enforcement officials to do everything in their power to apprehend the perpetrator and bring them to justice.”
CAIR-NY also revealed additional details about the incident, citing reports from local news outlets. According to WPIX, the woman allegedly called the teenager a “terrorist” before pepper-spraying her. While the NYPD has not formally confirmed the exact words used, the alleged slur adds another layer of hate and prejudice to this already disturbing incident.
Sadly, this attack is not an isolated incident. Hate crimes against Muslim Americans have been on the rise since the Israel-Hamas conflict in October. CAIR reported receiving a staggering 2,171 complaints of anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian hate over the past two months, a 172% increase compared to the same period last year.
This surge in hate crimes underscores the urgent need for education, understanding, and community support. We must stand together against Islamophobia and all forms of bigotry, ensuring that everyone feels safe and respected in our city.
The NYPD is actively seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Hate Crimes Task Force or call the Crime Stoppers hotline. By working together, we can hold the perpetrator accountable and create a more inclusive and just city for all.