Brooklyn man, 34, indicted for anti-Muslim attack in Midtown

NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — A Brooklyn man was indicted for repeatedly punching a 25-year-old Muslim man in Midtown, while making anti-Muslim remarks earlier this month, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Jr., announced Tuesday.

David Grinblat, 34, was charged with assault as a hate crime and aggravated harassment.

According to court documents, at approximately 8:48 p.m. on Aug. 5, the victim was talking on his cellphone in Urdu, while walking down the street near West 53rd Street and Fifth Avenue.

Walking by the man, Grinblat spat on him and stated, in substance, “F—ing Muslim.”

As Grinblat walked away, the man followed him, asking Grinblat why he spat on him. Grinblat continued to make anti-Muslim remarks in response, including calling the man a "terrorist" and telling him to "go back to Asia," authorities said.

Grinblat then punched the man in the face several times, cutting his lip, and causing redness, swelling and pain to his face and ear. The man took out his cellphone and began recording Grinblat and continued to follow him, asking why he had attacked him, prosecutors said.

A few minutes later, Grinblat and the man entered the Fifth Avenue/53rd Street subway station where Grinblat eventually responded to the man stating "death to Muslims," and punched the man in the face, several more times.

EMS responded and transported the victim to NYU Langone Medical Center in stable condition.

Grinblat fled the scene and was arrested a few days later, on Aug. 8.

"As alleged, David Grinblat attacked a man because of his perceived religion and national origin and spewed racist, anti-Muslim words at him," DA Bragg said. "We will continue to hold those accountable who commit acts of hatred, which have no place in our city. If you have been a victim or witness to a hate crime or bias incident, please call 911 or report it to our Hate Crimes Unit at 212-335-3100."