New York Man Faces Federal Hate Crime Charges for Alleged Assaults on Jewish Counterprotesters
A 20-year-old New York man, Tarek Bazrouk, was apprehended on Wednesday and formally charged with federal hate crimes. The charges stem from a series of alleged assaults targeting Jewish individuals participating in counterprotests at anti-Israel demonstrations within New York City between 2024 and 2025. The indictment, recently unsealed by the Department of Justice (DOJ), details three separate counts of hate crimes allegedly committed by Bazrouk, specifically targeting and physically attacking Jewish people at various protests related to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton for the Southern District of New York emphasized Bazrouk’s alleged repeated offenses, stating that despite previous arrests following each incident, he remained "undeterred" and swiftly resumed employing violence to target Jewish individuals within New York City. The severity of the charges reflects the DOJ’s commitment to addressing hate-motivated violence and ensuring the safety and security of all communities, particularly in the context of heightened tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The initial incident outlined in the indictment occurred on April 15, 2024. According to the DOJ, Bazrouk allegedly attended a protest situated outside the New York Stock Exchange in Lower Manhattan. Notably, he was reportedly wearing a green headband, an item purportedly associated with Hamas, a designated terrorist organization. During the protest, Bazrouk was apprehended by the New York Police Department (NYPD) for allegedly lunging towards a group of pro-Israel protesters. Further exacerbating the situation, while being escorted to a patrol vehicle, Bazrouk allegedly kicked a Jewish college student in the stomach. The victim was positioned near a contingent of Jewish protesters who were visibly displaying their Jewish identity by wearing kippahs (traditional Jewish head coverings), waving Israeli flags, and engaging in the singing of Jewish songs. This initial incident underscores the alleged targeting of individuals based on their perceived Jewish identity and affiliation with Israel.
The indictment further details a second alleged assault that took place on December 9, 2024, during a protest held near a university in Upper Manhattan. The victim, a Jewish student, was accompanied by his brother, both of whom were wearing kippahs. Additionally, the victim was draped with an Israeli flag across his shoulders while singing Jewish songs. Bazrouk is accused of stealing their Israeli flag and attempting to flee the scene. The victim and his brother pursued Bazrouk through the crowd to retrieve their flag. After successfully recovering their flag, Bazrouk allegedly approached the second victim from behind and punched him in the face. This second incident further illustrates the alleged pattern of targeting Jewish individuals who were outwardly expressing their religious and cultural identity and displaying symbols associated with Israel.
The third alleged assault outlined in the indictment occurred at the beginning of the year, on January 6, at a protest in Manhattan. The victim in this instance was also visibly displaying his connection to Israel and Judaism, wearing an Israeli flag draped around his shoulders, a hat adorned with the Israeli flag, and a chain featuring a Jewish star. According to the DOJ, Bazrouk was wearing a keffiyeh, a traditional Arab headdress, partially concealing his face when he allegedly made physical contact with the victim’s shoulder and wrapped his foot around the victim’s ankle. When the victim attempted to push Bazrouk away, Bazrouk allegedly verbally assaulted him with curses and then punched him in the nose.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch issued a statement condemning Bazrouk’s alleged actions, emphasizing the deliberate and targeted nature of the assaults. "As alleged, Tarek Bazrouk deliberately set out to harm Jewish New Yorkers — targeting them at protests, singling them out, and assaulting them for nothing more than their identity," Tisch stated. Her statement highlights the alleged premeditation and discriminatory motivation behind Bazrouk’s actions, further underscoring the severity of the hate crime charges.
In conjunction with the arrest and indictment, law enforcement officials obtained warrants to search a cellphone allegedly used by Bazrouk. The search of the cellphone revealed evidence of an "antisemitic bias" and "support for anti-Jewish terrorist groups, including Hamas," according to the DOJ, citing court documents. Text messages allegedly sent by Bazrouk contained statements in which he identified himself as a "Jew hater" and referred to Jewish people as "worthless." The documents further allege that Bazrouk expressed a belief that "Allah" wanted them to "rid of" Jews. Additionally, he reportedly told a friend that he was "mad happy" upon learning that family members overseas were affiliated with Hamas. The DOJ described Bazrouk’s phone as being "littered with pro-Hamas and pro-Hizballah propaganda." These findings from the cellphone search provide further insight into Bazrouk’s alleged motivations and the extent of his anti-Jewish sentiments.
The potential consequences for Bazrouk if convicted on all three federal hate crime charges are substantial. He faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, with each count carrying a potential penalty of 10 years. The charges against Bazrouk are particularly significant as they appear to be the first instance of federal hate crime charges being filed in connection with the anti-Israel protests that have taken place across American college campuses since October 7, 2023, the date of the Hamas attack on Israel. The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential for escalating tensions and violence in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the importance of addressing hate crimes and protecting vulnerable communities.
The prosecution of Tarek Bazrouk will undoubtedly be closely watched, and the outcome of the case could have broader implications for the way hate crimes are investigated and prosecuted in the context of political protests and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. It also highlights the challenges law enforcement and communities face in maintaining order and ensuring the safety of all individuals during periods of heightened political and social unrest.
