Nadine Osman
A New York City transit worker was pushed down the stairs at Grand Central Terminal by a man who called her a terrorist, authorities said.
The assault took place on the morning of December 5 as the 45-year old who wears the hijab was heading to work on the train station. The suspect followed her off the train and shoved her down the stairs, police said.
The suspect allegedly called the victim a “terrorist” and said she shouldn’t be working in the city. She was treated at a Manhattan hospital for ankle and knee injuries. Authorities say passengers intervened, and police are looking for the offender.
The assault marked the latest in a string of incidents in which Muslim women are seemingly attacked because of their faith.
Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) NY Director of Strategic Litigation, Albert Fox Cahn, told The Muslim News, “We are grateful to see that witnesses had the courage to intervene in the most recent attack.”
He added, “The only way our city and state will overcome this wave of hatred is if New Yorkers step forward whenever we see our neighbours being threatened. It’s incumbent on all New Yorkers to stand firm in the face of hate.”
The attack comes just a day after Christopher Nelson, 36, was arrested and for allegedly assaulting an off-duty Muslim NYPD officer and her 16-year-old son.