Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced charges against Tarek Bazrouk for federal hate crimes. The indictment accuses Bazrouk of repeatedly assaulting Jewish individuals in New York City between 2024 and 2025. Bazrouk was arrested and will appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron.
Clayton stated, “As alleged, on three separate occasions, Tarek Bazrouk deliberately targeted and assaulted Jewish victims at protests relating to the Israel/Gaza war.” He emphasized the commitment to prosecuting hate-based crimes.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon added, “The Civil Rights Division will continue to relentlessly pursue allegations of antisemitic violence and will not stop until justice is served for the victims and their families.”
Christopher G. Raia from the FBI commented on the alleged pattern of violence: “Over the course of nine months, Tarek Bazrouk allegedly targeted and violently attacked multiple Jewish victims... The FBI won’t tolerate this behavior.”
NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch remarked on Bazrouk’s actions: “As alleged, Tarek Bazrouk deliberately set out to harm Jewish New Yorkers — targeting them at protests... Antisemitism and all forms of bigotry have no home here in New York.”
The indictment details assaults occurring over nine months at various protests related to the Israel/Gaza conflict. On April 15, 2024, an incident occurred near the New York Stock Exchange where a Jewish college student was kicked by Bazrouk after he lunged at pro-Israel protestors.
On December 9, 2024, another attack took place next to a university campus in upper Manhattan involving a Jewish student who was struck in the face by Bazrouk after an altercation over an Israeli flag.
A third incident happened on January 6, 2025, near 1st Avenue and East 18th Street in Manhattan where another victim was punched by Bazrouk during a protest.
Evidence from cellphones used by Bazrouk showed anti-Semitic bias and support for groups like Hamas. Text messages revealed derogatory remarks about Jews and indicated familial ties with Hamas members overseas.
Bazrouk faces three counts of committing hate crimes with each charge carrying up to ten years in prison if convicted. Sentencing will be determined by a judge if found guilty.
Clayton praised investigative efforts by law enforcement agencies involved in this case including assistance from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and NYPD.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sam Adelsberg and Jim Ligtenberg are leading prosecution efforts through the Office’s Civil Rights Unit within its Criminal Division.
The indictment remains an allegation until proven otherwise as per legal proceedings which presume innocence unless guilt is established beyond reasonable doubt.
