New York City police are seeking the public’s help identifying a man accused of targeting a Jewish victim in an alleged antisemitic assault in Lower Manhattan earlier this year.
According to the NYPD, a 39-year-old man was entering a business near Whitehall Street and Stone Street at about 1 p.m. on May 5 when an unknown individual came up from behind and slapped the yarmulke off his head.
The religious skullcap fell to the ground, but police said the victim was not physically injured in the incident.
The suspect fled the area immediately after the encounter, authorities said.
The NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force is now investigating the Financial District incident and on Tuesday evening released surveillance images of the man sought for questioning.
In the photos distributed by police, the suspect appears to have a dark complexion, a medium build and short or possibly shaved hair.
Investigators said he was wearing a gray camouflage tracksuit, a black flat-brim snapback hat and white sneakers at the time of the incident.
He was also seen carrying a black-and-gray crossbody bag along with a black plastic bag, according to police.
The unprovoked attack occurred at 1 Whitehall Street, which houses a Duane Reade pharmacy and a post office.
Following the vile assault, the hateful menace fled on foot, police said.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).
The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at or on X @NYPDTips.
