By Michael V. Cusenza
A 19-year-old man was attacked on Sunday morning by a fellow bus rider for wearing a turban and a COVID mask, according to the NYPD and published reports.
The violent incident took place on an MTA shuttle bus near 118th Street and Liberty Avenue in South Ozone Park.
“We don’t wear that in this country,” the attacker yelled before attempting to pull off the victim’s turban, the New York Daily News wrote on Monday. “And take that mask off!”
The assault is being investigated as a hate crime by the NYPD Hate Crimes Unit.
File Photo
“This is unacceptable. We will not stand for such vile hate and bigotry here in Queens, nor anywhere in our country,” Rep. Meng said.
“Over the past few days, we have seen a devastating up-tick in discrimination and violence against religious minorities that have now hit our home here in Queens. I was horrified to learn that one of our young residents, who was going about their day on a MTA bus, was a victim of a verbal and physical assault that left them bleeding,” U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) said. “This is unacceptable. We will not stand for such vile hate and bigotry here in Queens, nor anywhere in our country. I wish the victim a speedy recovery and hope that the NYPD Hate Crimes Unit is quickly able to find the alleged perpetrator.”
State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Woodhaven) added, “This reprehensible attack targeting an innocent individual based on their religious and cultural identity is an appalling display of bigotry and will not be tolerated. We must stand united against such acts of violence and hatred, and work towards creating a society that respects and embraces diversity. I offer any assistance my office can be in apprehending the criminals of this unacceptable incident.”
