CAIR-NY Condemns Anti-Muslim Hate Crime Assault on Subway in Queens
(NEW YORK, NY, 6/20/25) - 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 strongly condemned an anti-Muslim hate crime assault of a Muslim woman on an MTA subway train in Queens.
SEE: Muslim woman says man asked 'Are you Muslim?' then beat her on Subway
SEE: Woman punched and kicked in face on Queens subway by man with history of anti-Muslim attacks
The 55-year-old victim was commuting to work on the E train early Wednesday morning when an individual approached her aggressively and demanded to know her religion. After confirming she was Muslim, the suspect allegedly began to beat her relentlessly, punching and kicking her until the train reached the next station. The woman suffered a concussion, a fractured nose, and extensive bruising.
The suspect, 34-year-old Naved Durni, was arrested and charged with hate crime assault. In 2021, the same man, Naved Durni was charged with three random attacks on Muslims in Queens.
SEE: Queens man faces hate crimes charges for random attacks on Muslims in Queens
In a statement, CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher, Esq., said:
“Our subways must be safe for every New Yorker, regardless of faith, race, or background. We condemn this vicious attack against a Muslim woman, as it is simply heartbreaking and infuriating. We commend the bystanders and MTA personnel who took swift action, and we thank law enforcement for pursuing hate crime charges. We also pray for our sister's full recovery from this horrifying trauma.”
Nasher said CAIR-NY and the broader American Muslim community stand in unwavering solidarity with victims of Islamophobia and all forms of hate, and will continue to fight against rising bigotry, xenophobia, and violence.
Earlier this year, CAIR released its 2025 Civil Rights Report “Unconstitutional Crackdowns,” which reveals that Islamophobia continues to be at an all-time high across the country. CAIR said viewpoint discrimination against those speaking out against genocide and apartheid was a key factor in many cases.
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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CONTACT:
Afaf Nasher, Esq., CAIR-NY Executive Director, CAIR-NY, 917-669-4006, anasher@cair.com;
CAIR-NY Communications Team, comms@ny.cair.com