NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — An assailant on a New York City subway train beat an Asian-American man before choking him until he passed out, disturbing video posted by the NYPD on Monday showed.
Warning: The video below is disturbing and graphic.
The victim was riding a Manhattan-bound J train near the Kosciuszko Street station in Brooklyn when another man started punching him repeatedly, according to the user who originally shared the video on Twitter.
The victim initially fought back, but his attacker continued to punch him, the video shows. The attacker then put the victim in a chokehold until he passed out.
A few train passengers told the attacker to stop, but no one on the train intervened.
“We need the public’s help. The NYPD is aware of this video and is investigating,” the NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force tweeted Monday.
“Anyone that has information regarding this incident is urged to call or DM @NYPDTips 1-800-577-TIPS and provide additional details including the date and time of occurrence,” the task force added.
In a statement released Monday evening, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he was “appalled to learn that an Asian-American man who was riding on the New York City subway was brutally beaten and injured.”
“These hateful acts of violence have no place in New York — period,” he said. “The misguided rhetoric which has vilified Asian Americans throughout this pandemic is highly dangerous, and now we are seeing more and more painful real-life consequences.”
“It is sickening and I want every New Yorker who identifies as part of the Asian-American community to know this: in this state we not only condemn the hateful rhetoric, but we stand with you because we are all one family, united against hate,” he added. “I am directing the New York State Police Hate Crimes Task Force to offer their assistance in the investigation of this violent attack.”
Stay informed, stay connected — follow WCBS 880 on Facebook and Twitter. Download the RADIO.COM app + favorite WCBS 880 for breaking news, traffic and weather alerts.