Man Indicted In Midtown Anti-Muslim Attack: DA

NEW YORK, NY — A Brooklyn man has been indicted after being charged with repeatedly punching a 25-year-old Muslim man while making anti-Muslin remarks in Midtown earlier this month, according to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr.

David Grinblat, 34, is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with two counts of third-degree assault as a hate crime and one count of second-degree aggravated harassment, officials said.

"As alleged, David Grinblat attacked a man because of his perceived religion and national origin and spewed racist, anti-Muslim words at him," District Attorney Bragg said Monday. "We will continue to hold those accountable who commit acts of hatred, which have no place in our city."

According to court documents and statements made in court, the alleged victim was speaking on his cellphone in Urdu while walking down the street near West 53rd Street and 5th Avenue on the evening of Aug. 5, when Grinblat spat on him and said "F—ing Muslim."

"As Grinblat walked away, the man followed him, asking Grinblat why he spat on him, according to the Manhattan District Attorney. "In response, Grinblat continued to make anti-Muslim remarks, including calling the man a 'terrorist' and telling him to 'go back to Asia.'

Officials continued: "Grinblat punched the man in the face several times, cutting his lip, and causing redness, swelling, and pain to his face and ear. The man took out his cell phone and began recording Grinblat and continued to follow him, asking why he had attacked him."

Eventually, the two men entered the Fifth Avenue/53rd Street subway station, when Grimblat said "death to Muslims" and punched the man in the face several more times, according to officials.

Grinblat fled the scene and was arrested on Aug. 8, officials added.

The district attorney's office urged anyone who is a victim or a witness to a hate crime or bias incident to call 911 or report it to our Hate Crimes Unit at 212-335-3100.