Man Who Attacked Elderly Filipino Woman in New York City Pleads Not Guilty

Brandon Elliot, the man who violently stomped and kicked Vilma Kari, 65, outside of a building in New York City in March, has pleaded not guilty to hate crime charges on Monday.

The details: The 38-year-old’s bail is set at a $1 million bond or $500,000 in cash, according to PIX11.

Elliot was held at Anna M. Kross Correctional Facility at the Rikers Island jail complex.
Authorities arrested Elliot on March 31. He was charged with two counts of assault as a hate crime and attempted assault as a hate crime.
Elliot was reported to be on parole for stabbing his own mother in 2002.
He is scheduled to appear in court on July 14, and if found guilty, he could face up to 25 years in jail.

The attack: The victim was on her way to church in Manhattan when she was violently attacked by Elliot on March 29. The suspect made anti-Asian sentiments while assaulting the victim, telling her, “F*ck you, you don’t belong here.”

Kari suffered a fractured pelvis and contusions to the head from the attack, which went viral after surveillance footage was released showing the building’s doormen closing the door on her during the attack.
A GoFundMe for Kari has raised over $270,000 as of this writing. In the latest update on May 8, Kari’s daughter has announced the seven organizations helping AAPI communities they plan to donate to.

Featured Image via NYPD Hate Crimes (left, center), Elizabeth Kari / GoFundMe (right)

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