NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – The NYPD released images Friday of four suspects they’re searching for in an assault on a pro-Israel advocate and Democratic fundraiser during a demonstration in Union Square Park on the one-year anniversary of the Oct. 7 terror attack.
Todd Richman, who is co-chair of Democratic Majority for Israel, was surrounded by the group just before 4 p.m. Monday on the south side of the park, video shows.
The altercation between Richman, 54, and the demonstrators quickly grew heated, with one of them banging a tambourine near his face and another snatching an Israeli flag from his hands.
People can be heard calling him an "antagonizer" and saying "F*** Israel" in one video, among other insults. Richman later said they were also telling him "Happy Oct. 7."
According to police, during the struggle, a man in a white t-shirt and black jeans struck Richman in the face with a flagpole sporting the Palestinian flag.
A woman also hit him in the face with a tambourine, police said. She was wearing a black hat, black sweater, red sweatpants and red sunglasses.
Richman was left bloodied by the blows, video shows. Blood is seen dripping down his nose as he attempts to walk away from the group and is briefly followed. Several NYPD officers quickly arrive and break up the altercation.
In a statement on social media, Richman said, “Rest assured—I am fine. As Americans, we have the right to protest, but yesterday, on the one-year anniversary of the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust, pro-Hamas agitators in New York City crossed the line.”
“I am a proud American Jew, and the overwhelming support I’ve received from the Governor of New York, state and city officials, members of Congress, friends, family and many strangers has deeply moved me,” Richman continued. “I am deeply grateful for the quick response of the NYPD and FDNY for getting me to safety and tending to my medical needs.”
“Pro-Israel Americans must be able to walk freely and fearlessly through the streets of New York,” he said. “What happened was unacceptable, but it has only strengthened my resolve.”
Monday's attack—which is being investigated by the NYPD Hate Crime Task Force—came as the city marked one year since Hamas killed over 1,200 people and kidnapped another 251 in a surprise attack that has led to ongoing fighting between Israel and Hamas, as well as Hezbollah. The mounting death toll of Palestinian civilians in Gaza has led to hundreds of protests in NYC, including several on Monday.
Richman met with Ofir Akunis, the Israeli Consul General in New York, after the attack, according to a post from the consulate on Instagram.
“Today, Consul General [Akunis] met with Todd Richman, who was brutally attacked by an anti-Israel mob on the anniversary of October 7th, simply for waving an Israeli flag,” the consulate wrote. “The surge in antisemitic violence is unacceptable. We stand united against all forms of hate.”
According to its website, Democratic Majority for Israel “works to maintain and strengthen support for the U.S.-Israel alliance by educating elected officials, candidates and the public, while advocating for other progressive policies.”
Word of the attack comes after the Anti-Defamation League released a report on Monday showing antisemitic incidents in the U.S. spiked over 200% in the year since Hamas’ attack, with more than 10,000 reported incidents. Meanwhile, the latest NYPD data released Tuesday shows hate crimes are up 30% in the city year-to-date—and that they’re being driven by a nearly 175% increase in anti-Jewish hate crimes during that time period.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.