The New York Police Department say a 19-year-old man was assaulted Wednesday in what might have been a hate crime. Three attackers allegedly beat up the victim while calling him an “Arab” and yelling “ISIS, ISIS,” according to NBC New York.
NBC New York obtained surveillance footage depicting the three suspects. The silent video doesn’t show the alleged attack:
The 19-year-old man, unnamed in the NBC report, was walking in Astoria, Queens when he was attacked, police told the network. One suspect, with a chin-strap beard, called him an “Arab” and allegedly punched him twice in the face. Another suspect, wearing a two-tone sweater, held a pipe, and yelled “ISIS, ISIS,” police said. The last suspect, wearing a black hooded jacket, allegedly held a baseball bat.
The suspects reportedly ran away after a witness spotted them. The 19-year-old refused medical attention after receiving minor injuries.
This investigation is ongoing. The NYPD wants anyone with information on this incident to call Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS.
[screengrab via NBC New York]
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