Police are searching for a man they say walked up to a fellow rider and kicked him while hurling an antisemitic remark aboard an M train at the Flushing Avenue station on April 21, just before 3:30 p.m. The victim, a 24-year-old man, was not injured, and the attacker took off from the scene. Authorities have classified the incident as aggravated harassment and a hate crime.
According to News 12, investigators say the suspect approached the victim inside the train car, kicked him, and shouted the slur before fleeing. Police are reviewing video from station and train cameras and are urging anyone who may have captured phone footage or noticed key details to come forward.
The NYPD is asking anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or to submit an anonymous internet tip through the department's online portal, as outlined on the NYPD's Crime Stoppers page. Spanish-speaking New Yorkers can call 1-888-57-PISTA, and tips can also be submitted anonymously through the Crime Stoppers app.
Citywide Context
The Flushing Avenue incident comes amid a string of antisemitic cases across the city, including spray-painted vandalism in Queens this week. As reported by CBS New York, NYPD data show Jewish New Yorkers were the target of a majority of confirmed and reported hate crimes in April.
How the NYPD Investigates
When a case is flagged as potentially bias-motivated, the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force steps in and works with the department’s legal bureau to determine how it should be classified and what charges may apply, according to the NYPD's hate crimes reporting guidelines. Investigators typically review surveillance video, conduct witness interviews, and coordinate with transit authorities as they work to identify suspects.
What Riders Can Do
If you were on that M train on April 21 and saw the attack, investigators say your memory and your camera roll could both matter. Preserve any video you may have taken and note the train car number, the direction of travel, and the approximate time before contacting Crime Stoppers or calling 911 in an emergency. Even small details can help police track down a suspect and build a stronger case.
