New York Man Charged with Federal Hate Crimes for Assaults at Gaza War Protests

Tarek Bazrouk is charged with federal hate crimes for allegedly assaulting Jewish individuals during protests related to the Israel-Gaza war. These incidents occurred at various protests in New York City, including those at Columbia University. Bazrouk faces a maximum penalty of 10 years for each of the three counts.

The U.S. Department of Justice has charged a New York resident with federal hate crimes. The indictment, unsealed on Wednesday, accuses Tarek Bazrouk, 20, of assaulting Jewish people, including two students from Columbia University, during three distinct protests over the war in Gaza.

Bazrouk's actions mark the DOJ's first federal hate crime charges linked to recent Columbia protests, according to available information. These alleged assaults took place in Manhattan at protests held outside significant landmarks over the past year.

According to court documents, Bazrouk reportedly struck two Jewish victims and kicked another, along with stealing an Israeli flag. The DOJ stated that messages from Bazrouk's phone indicate support for Hamas. He faces three counts of committing hate crimes, each leading to up to 10 years in prison.

(With inputs from agencies.)