NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Three boys wielding a knife, crowbar and sword threatened to attack six other kids on the Upper West Side because they're Jewish, police said Tuesday.
The NYPD Hate Crime Task Force is investigating the incident—around 7:20 p.m. Saturday at West End Avenue and W. 86th Street—as a suspected antisemitic hate crime.
Police said the three teen suspects approached the six victims, boys between the ages of 12 and 16, and told them they wanted to fight them.
The suspects, who were brandishing a knife, crowbar and sword, also threatened to “get them” because they’re Jewish, police said.
The suspects then followed the victims towards their home.
Police said the suspects eventually fled and that no one was injured.
The NYPD hasn't released descriptions or images of the suspects.
Council Member Gale Brewer, who represents the area, is dismayed those involved are so young.
“This really is awful,” Brewer said. “These are really young people. These are not college students. These are not high school. These are middle school students. And we have to stop it.”
It comes as antisemitic hate crimes are on the rise in New York City, with 81 incidents reported so far this year compared to 20 during the same time in 2021.
Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine said antisemitism can’t be normalized.
“We really can’t accept this as normal. This really should spark outrage,” Levine said.
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