'Coronavirus Asian,' Man Says In Manhattan Attack: Cops

MIDTOWN MANHATTAN, NY — A man tried to punch a woman on Manhattan's East Side this week while making anti-Asian statements, police said, the latest in a string of similar attacks.

Around 1 p.m. Tuesday, the victim, a 25-year-old woman, was walking on First Avenue near East 57th Street when a man approached her and mumbled something to the effect of, "coronavirus Asian," police said.

He then said, "I should punch you," and tried to hit her with a closed fist, police said. He fled north on foot along First Avenue.

Police asked for help identifying the suspect, described as a man with dark complexion and long, braided hair. He was last seen walking a dog and wearing a three-quarter length black jacket, dark pants and black sneakers.

Police are investigating the incident and have notoified NYPD's Hate Crimes Task Force.

Other recent attacks on Asian Americans have included the brutal assault of a 65-year-old woman in Hell's Kitchen, which was captured on video last month and sparked widespread outrage. Community leaders have attributed the rise in attacks in part to the rhetoric used by former President Donald Trump, who used racist language to tie COVID-19 to China.

Police shared surveillance images of the man and asked anyone with information to call the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). People can also submit tips online or on Twitter, @NYPDTips.