A Monday morning N train ride turned ugly when, according to police, a man punched a 54-year-old rider, ripped the yarmulke off his head and hurled antisemitic remarks in what investigators are calling a hate-fueled robbery. The attack happened on a southbound N train at Atlantic Avenue, and the NYPD is now searching for the suspect, who was last seen on another N train near Canal Street after fleeing the scene, according to NYPD Crime Stoppers.
What police are looking for
According to NYPD Crime Stoppers, the assault took place around 10:45 a.m. on March 2 while the 54-year-old victim was riding a southbound N train passing through the Atlantic Avenue station. The wanted notice states that the suspect punched the man, forcibly pulled off his yarmulke and made anti-Jewish statements. He then boarded another N train and was last seen near Canal Street.
Context: antisemitic incidents in the city
This latest subway attack is unfolding against a backdrop of rising concern over antisemitic incidents in New York City. In October 2025, the ADL warned that antisemitic incidents across the city had become more brazen and intensified. A March 2 report on February crime statistics cited 38 hate crimes recorded that month, including 21 that were motivated by anti-Jewish bias, according to the ADL.
How to help
Tips that lead to an arrest and indictment in this case may qualify for a reward of up to $3,500, according to NYPD Crime Stoppers. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Tips can also be submitted online through Crime Stoppers.
Legal note
Under New York’s Hate Crimes Act, certain offenses, including robbery, can be prosecuted as hate crimes when authorities determine that bias was a motivating factor in whole or in part. That designation can lead to enhanced penalties. See N.Y. Penal Law Article 485 on the New York State Senate site for the statute's text.
