Man punches Sikh Teen in US for wearing Turban

A 19-year-old Sikh teenager was subjected to an assault while travelling in a shuttle bus in New York, as reported by the authorities.

The incident occurred in Queens, a borough of New York City, where the victim was allegedly attacked due to wearing a turban.

The attacker, who was wearing a bright yellow jacket, approached the teenage victim and made derogatory comments, saying:

“We don’t wear that in this country, and take that mask off!”

Subsequently, the person physically assaulted the victim, repeatedly striking him in the head, face, and back.

The victim sustained minor lacerations and pain as a result of the assault.

Additionally, the man attempted to remove the victim’s turban, further indicating that the assault was a hate crime. 

Following the incident, the assailant fled the scene along Liberty Avenue.

Fortunately, there were no additional injuries reported, and the victim declined further medical treatment, as confirmed by the police.

The NYPD Hate Crimes Unit is actively investigating the incident.

In the hopes of getting help from the public, police described the attacker, stating: 

“A male, 25-35 years of age, dark complexion, slim build, approximately 5’9? tall, with brown eyes and black hair.”

So far, no arrests have been made, and the incident is currently under investigation as a hate crime.

However, law enforcement authorities have released photographs of the suspect. He was also seen wearing blue jeans and sneakers at the time of the incident.

Community activist, Japneet Singh, said to the ABC7 TV station:

“Right now, the victim is very traumatised.”

He also claimed that the teenager was badly injured and wouldn’t be able to work for a few days. 

In response to the incident, the Sikh Coalition, a national organisation representing the Sikh faith and based in New York said on X: 

“We are in contact with the survivor and working with him to provide support as needed; he has requested anonymity for the time being.

“Our current understanding is that NYPD is, appropriately, investigating this incident as a hate crime.

“As we stand alongside our allies from all communities, we will continue to insist that no one should have to fear for their personal safety while simply existing in public.”

Deputy Commissioner Mark Stewart has said recent hate crimes in New York have been fuelled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine. However, he revealed

“We don’t tolerate it. We don’t condone it.”