NYC: Man Accused of Anti-Muslim Assault Released Without Bail
According to Manhattan prosecutors, Grinblat spat on Kazmi, called him a "terrorist," and punched him several times in the face. The incident was captured on video.
Kazmi, who recorded the altercation, followed Grinblat into the Fifth Avenue/53rd Street subway station, where Grinblat continued to shout anti-Muslim slurs and allegedly assaulted Kazmi again. Grinblat fled the scene but was arrested three days later at his home, New York Post reported on Monday.
"As alleged, David Grinblat attacked a man because of his perceived religion and national origin and spewed racist, anti-Muslim words at him," Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said. "We will continue to hold those accountable who commit acts of hatred, which have no place in our city."
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Grinblat, who has two other criminal mischief cases in Brooklyn, was charged with two counts of assault in the third degree as a hate crime and aggravated harassment.
Despite prosecutors' requests for $30,000 bail, Grinblat was released on supervised release after his arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court and again in supreme court.
Kazmi suffered a bloodied lip and a cut to his face in the attack.
Grinblat pleaded not guilty to the hate-crime assault charge.
Source: Agencies
