New York man charged with federal hate crimes for assaulting Jewish people: DOJ
A New York man, Tarek Bazrouk, was arrested on Wednesday morning and charged with federal hate crimes for repeatedly assaulting Jewish counterprotesters at anti-Israel demonstrations in New York City between 2024 and 2025. The Department of Justice unsealed an indictment detailing the charges against him.
Bazrouk, 20, is facing three counts of committing hate crimes for targeting and attacking Jewish individuals at three separate protests related to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Despite being arrested after each incident, Bazrouk continued to engage in violent behavior targeting Jews in New York City, according to U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton for the Southern District of New York.
The first incident occurred on April 15, 2024, when Bazrouk, wearing a green headband typically associated with Hamas terrorists, attended a protest outside the New York Stock Exchange in Lower Manhattan. He was apprehended by the NYPD for assaulting a group of pro-Israel protesters and kicking a Jewish college student in the stomach while being escorted to a patrol vehicle. The victim was standing near Jewish demonstrators wearing kippahs and waving Israeli flags.
On December 9, 2024, Bazrouk allegedly assaulted another Jewish student during a protest near a university in Upper Manhattan. The victim, along with his brother, both wearing kippahs and carrying an Israeli flag, had their flag stolen by Bazrouk. After chasing him through the crowd and retrieving the flag, Bazrouk reportedly punched the victim in the face.
The third assault took place on January 6, 2025, at a protest in Manhattan where Bazrouk targeted a Jewish individual with an Israeli flag draped around his shoulders and wearing Jewish symbols. Bazrouk, wearing a keffiyeh on his face, made physical contact with the victim and proceeded to curse at him before punching him in the nose.
Law enforcement obtained warrants to search Bazrouk’s cellphone, revealing evidence of his anti-Semitic views and support for terrorist groups like Hamas. Text messages on his phone displayed derogatory remarks towards Jewish people, expressing his hatred for them and his support for violent actions against them.
If convicted on all three federal hate crime charges, Bazrouk could face a maximum of 30 years in prison, with 10 years per count. This case marks the first instance of federal hate crime charges being brought in connection with anti-Israel protests on American college campuses since October 7, 2023.
The charges against Bazrouk highlight the importance of addressing hate crimes and bias-motivated violence, particularly in the context of ongoing conflicts and tensions. It serves as a reminder of the need to combat discrimination and intolerance in all forms to create a more inclusive and respectful society.
