CAIR-NY Seeks Help from Public to Identify Anti-Muslim Subway Attacker

(NEW YORK, NY, 3/24/26) – The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today asked for the public’s assistance with information leading to the arrest and conviction of a man who reportedly attacked a woman on a subway platform while making “anti-Islamic” statements.

A man allegedly approached a 20-year-old woman March 17 at the 9th Avenue subway station and made Islamophobic statements before grabbing her and throwing her to the ground. He also reportedly threw the victim’s phone to the ground. The NYPD hate crime unit is investigating the incident. 

In a statement, CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher, Esq., said:  

“This alleged anti-Muslim attack is a reminder of the real dangers that bigotry poses to the safety of New Yorkers. No one should fear being targeted because of their faith or perceived identity.

“We urge anyone with information about this incident to come forward and assist law enforcement in holding the perpetrator accountable. Acts of hate have no place in our city, and we must stand together to ensure justice for the victim and to help prevent future attacks.”

“We also call on elected officials and community leaders to reaffirm their commitment to combating Islamophobia and all other forms of hate, and to support efforts that protect vulnerable communities.”

Earlier this month, CAIR-NY joined community members in calling for stepped-up protection after an assault of an elderly Bengali woman, Bilkis Begum, who was allegedly pistol-whipped during a robbery while walking to her masjid (Islamic house of worship) for early morning prayers in Buffalo. 

Also this month, CAIR released its 2026 Civil Rights Report “The Right to be Different,” which documents a pattern of public officials using their offices to narrow the definitions of what Americans can look like, say, or believe in 2025.

Washington, D.C., based CAIR received 8,683 complaints nationwide in 2025, the highest number of single-year complaints CAIR has recorded since CAIR’s first civil rights report covering 1996 was published.

Watch CAIR’s News Conference Announcing the Report.

SEE: 2026 Civil Rights Report: The Right to be Different

SEE: Trump crackdown on protests and immigration led to Islamophobia, Muslim group says – Reuters

CAIR-NY's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.  

La misión de CAIR-NY es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.  

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You can help contribute to CAIR-NY’s work of defending civil rights and empowering American Muslims across the country by making a one-time contribution or becoming a monthly donor. Supporters like you make CAIR-NYs advocacy work possible and defeating Islamophobia an achievable goal. Click here to donate to CAIR-NY.  

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CONTACT  

Afaf Nasher, Esq. CAIR-NY Executive Director, ANasher@cair.com    

CAIR-NY Communications Team, comms@ny.cair.com