NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – A suspect was arrested and charged Friday as the NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force investigates a group attack on a Jewish man that happened amid dueling pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian protests in Times Square on Thursday evening.
Waseem Awawdeh, 23, was arrested for using a crutch to assault the man in front of 1604 Broadway, near W. 49th Street, according to police.
Awawdeh was charged with hate crime assault, gang assault, menacing and criminal possession of a weapon.
Up to six more people are being sought in the attack, WABC reported.
According to WABC, the group attacked the 29-year-old victim as he was headed to a pro-Israel protest. He was said to be wearing a yarmulke at the time.
The group reportedly beat and pepper sprayed the victim while some made anti-Semitic remarks like “**** Jews.”
A video posted to social media purporting to show the attack shows a group of people striking and kicking what appears to be a person down on the street.
The victim was reportedly taken to Bellevue Hospital, where he was treated and released.
Earlier on Friday, the NYPD said it was investigating the group assault as a hate crime.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo released a statement in response to the attack, saying he was directing state police to assist the NYPD in its investigation.
“I unequivocally condemn these brutal attacks on visibly Jewish New Yorkers and we will not tolerate anti-Semitic violent gang harassment and intimidation,” Cuomo said. “New York is the vibrant and dynamic home for people from around the world. This tapestry makes New York the extraordinary place that it is. Those of all faiths, backgrounds and ethnicities must be able to walk the streets safely and free from harassment and violence. Justice needs to be done and I am directing the New York State Police Hate Crimes Task Force to offer their assistance in the investigation of these attacks.”
At least two dozen people were arrested during the violent clashes in Times Square on Thursday. They face charges that include obstructing governmental administration, resisting arrest, unlawful assembly, disorderly conduct and criminal possession of a weapon.
Several injuries were also reported, including a woman who was burned when professional grade fireworks were thrown at bystanders on W. 47th Street, police said.
"It's absolutely disgusting and unacceptable," Mayor Bill de Blasio said during a radio appearance Friday morning. "We had a man viciously beaten simply because he appeared to some individuals to be Jewish. We had folks throwing very potent fireworks and creating harm to others and burning some folks, at least one person."
The protests came as Israel and Hamas agreed to a cease-fire Thursday in an 11-day war that caused widespread destruction in the Gaza Strip and left more than 200 people dead.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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