Man Indicted on Federal Hate Crime Charges for Attacks at Pro-Israel Rallies
Tarek Bazrouk, 20, faces multiple hate crime counts related to assaults on jewish individuals during protests in New York City.
The Indictment
A 20-year-old New York City man, Tarek Bazrouk, was arrested and indicted on federal hate crime charges following a series of alleged assaults targeting Jewish individuals at protests related to Israel and the war in Gaza. The Justice Department announced the unsealing of the indictment this morning.
Details of the Alleged Attacks
Prosecutors detailed three separate incidents spanning from 2024 to 2025:
- December 9 Incident Near Columbia University: Bazrouk is accused of stealing an Israeli flag from an individual near Columbia’s campus. The victim was part of a group singing Jewish songs.
- Assault on Columbia student:
When the group went to get the flag back, Bazrouk punched one of them, a Columbia student, in the face,
prosecutors alleged. - Other Incidents: Additional assaults reportedly occurred near Wall Street and in the Gramercy Park area of New York City, according to court documents.
Legal Proceedings
Bazrouk was arrested this morning. As of tonight, online federal court records did not list an attorney for Bazrouk. The government is seeking to have him detained without bond, according to court records.
The government is seeking to have him detained without bond, according to court records.
Context and Background
The protests surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have been a recurring feature in major cities,including New York. These demonstrations often draw large crowds and can be emotionally charged, sometimes leading to confrontations. Law enforcement agencies are tasked with maintaining order and ensuring the safety of all participants, while also protecting the rights to free speech and assembly.
