A Jewish woman was allegedly beaten, choked, and had part of her hair torn out during an antisemitic attack on a New York City subway train, leading to hate crime charges against the suspect, reports The Jerusalem Post.
According to the New York City Police Department, Bronx resident Diana Smith has been charged with hate crime assault, hate crime criminal obstruction of breathing, and aggravated harassment following the incident on Sunday.
The attack reportedly began after Smith started questioning passengers about whether they were Jewish. According to the victim, the suspect had been making hostile remarks about Jews and accusing them of controlling wealth before turning her attention to the Jewish passenger.
Video footage released by the Combat Antisemitism Movement captured the suspect making antisemitic comments, including claims that Jews were harming children.
The victim said the situation quickly escalated into violence. She alleged that Smith grabbed her by the throat and began choking her. When other passengers intervened and pulled the suspect away, Smith reportedly continued making antisemitic remarks.
According to the victim, the suspect then launched a second attack, choking her again before kicking her to the ground. While the victim was on the floor, Smith allegedly pulled her hair, tearing some of it out, and continued striking her.
Photographs released after the incident reportedly showed hair that had been pulled from the victim’s head during the assault.
Passengers on the train alerted police while the attack was taking place. Officers responded and arrested Smith at the scene.
Emergency medical personnel treated the victim for minor injuries.
The incident is the latest in a series of antisemitic attacks reported in New York City, where Jews continue to account for a disproportionate share of reported hate crime victims. Law enforcement officials have repeatedly warned that antisemitic rhetoric and conspiracy theories can contribute to real-world violence against Jewish individuals and communities.
Photo credit: Screenshot/X/CombatASemitism
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