Asian American Couple Attacked and Spit on in NYC

The incident took place on Broadway near East 19th Street in the Flatiron District around 8:30 p.m. on Sept. 2, according to PIX 11.

The suspect, who was on a bicycle, reportedly came across the couple and launched an anti-Chinese tirade at them.

“You are Chinese. God hates China! China has the virus,” the man said before spitting at the pair, according to sources cited by the New York Post.

The man then assaulted the Asian male, 29, with his bike and a backpack.

The victim reportedly sustained minor injuries, including bruises and scratches.

The suspect, who had shoulder-length braids, fled the scene without his face being caught on surveillance. He was last seen wearing a white tank top and black pants.

He is believed to be Black or Hispanic, in his 30s, and standing between 5 feet, 8 inches and 5 feet, 11 inches. He is said to weigh between 210 and 230 pounds, according to ABC 7.

The incident occurred on the same day the New York Police Department announced that there have been three anti-Asian hate crimes and 22 coronavirus-related hate crimes in 2020, according to Gothamist.

“Recent Coronavirus-related incidents fall under the anti-other category as there are primarily two motivating factors behind those crimes: The victim’s race (Anti-Asian) and the perception that they have coronavirus,” it said in a press release.

Last month, the department launched an Asian Hate Crime Task Force, which aims to address the surge in abusive incidents against Asian Americans amid the COVID-19 crisis.

In July, an 89-year-old Chinese American woman was slapped and set on fire outside her home in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn.

Anyone with information that could lead to an arrest is urged to contact the police at 1-800-577-TIPS. A $2,500 reward has been allotted for the case.

Feature Image via New York Police Department