Police hunting suspect over homophobic hammer attack that saw victim thrown onto train tracks
The New York Police Department released a sketch of the suspect
Police in New York City have released a sketch of a suspect in an alleged homophobic hate crime.
The NYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force is investigating the November 22 attack, after a 21-year-old was reportedly attacked with a hammer and thrown onto the tracks of the NYC subway.
New York police seek suspect over hammer attack.
On Tuesday, police put out a sketch of a suspect in the case.
The suspect is described as “a black male in his 30s with braided hair, approximately 5-foot-10 and 150 pounds, wearing gray sweatpants and a black coat”.
New York police have opened a hate crime investigation
Police say the victim was accosted by a man at the D-train platform of Tremont Avenue subway station at 1am on November 22.
The suspect shouted “f****t” at the victim, pulled out a hammer and struck his torso, and then threw him onto the subway tracks.
The victim, who managed to climb off the tracks before the next train arrived, was hospitalised with head injuries. He is in stable condition.
Hate crime is ‘repugnant to our values’.
Governor of New York Andrew Cuomo said previously: “I am absolutely sickened by the vicious anti-LGBTQ assault on a Bronx subway platform. This horrific and ugly crime is repugnant to our values as New Yorkers, and we have zero tolerance for such vile acts of hate.
“I am directing the State Police Hate Crimes Task Force to assist the NYPD in its investigation into this brutal attack to ensure the coward responsible is brought to justice.
“While those fuelled by hate try to spread fear and intolerance in our communities, New York will continue to be a beacon of hope and acceptance for all.
“When you attack one New Yorker, you attack all New Yorkers, and we want the LGBTQ community to know we will always have their backs.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS.
