BROOKLYN – A 29‑year‑old Jewish woman in traditional attire was struck with a cane and verbally accosted at the Kings Highway B/Q subway station in Brooklyn on Thursday around 12:45 p.m. by a man shouting “Go back to your country,” according to the NYPD.
A man described as 55 to 65 years old, of medium build, with short blond hair, wearing a green plaid or multi-colored collared shirt, blue jeans, black sneakers, and carrying a black backpack and cane, followed the woman to the platform.
He continued shouting profanities and, after she began recording him, struck her right hand with his cane.
🚨WANTED FOR AN ASSAULT: On 6/12/25, a 29-year-old female, was standing in the southbound mezzanine area at the Kings Highway and East 16 Street subway station "Q/B" line, in the confines of the 61 Precinct, when an unidentified male struck her with his cane. pic.twitter.com/ff94onpsJb
— NYPD Crime Stoppers (@NYPDTips) June 17, 2025
She suffered pain and bruising but declined medical attention.
The assault is being investigated as a potential hate crime because the suspect targeted her Jewish appearance and used xenophobic language.
The NYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force is leading the investigation. Surveillance images of the suspect were released Monday. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact NYPD Crimestoppers.
No arrests have been made. Law enforcement encouraged individuals with footage or tips to assist in identifying the attacker.
Community leaders have condemned the attack, calling it part of an alarming rise in hate crimes targeting Jewish citizens. The Foundation to Combat Antisemitism has posted the suspect’s image to help locate him.
The NYPD affirmed that hate‑motivated assaults will not be tolerated. Officers said they remain committed to protecting vulnerable communities.
This article is based on verified information from the New York Post, Patch, NYPD, VINnews, and Audacy.