New York, NY - December 5, 2016 - At approximately 6:20 a.m. this morning, a uniformed off-duty Muslim New York City Transit employee on her way to work was assaulted by a male passenger at Grand Central Terminal. After exiting the 7 Train in the station, the suspect allegedly called the station agent a ‘terrorist’ and pushed her down the stairs, injuring both her ankle and knee. The employee was swiftly transported to NYU Langone for the treatment of her injuries.
The incident follows a wave of bias events targeting the MTA since the Presidential election. On Saturday, a No. 1 Train was found to have been vandalized, with multiple swastikas graffitied on its interior. Last week, KKK fliers and business cards were distributed at the Patchogue and Hampton Bay Stations on the Long Island Rail Road.
“This is the great state of New York – we welcome people of all cultures, customs and creeds with open arms. We do not allow intolerance or fear to divide us because we know diversity is our strength and we are at our best when we stand united. I have directed the MTA, State Police and Division of Human Rights to work with local law enforcement to investigate these matters. These acts of hate will be pursued and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and those responsible will be held accountable.
“New York will continue to set the example for the nation – safeguarding our diversity and our differences, and rooting out bigotry and hatred wherever it exists. The work of the Hate Crimes Task Force has never been more urgent and we will continue to crack down on this type of criminal behavior. I wish a speedy recovery for the victim, and want to let her know we are seeking justice for her and for all New Yorkers.”
