AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): New York police announced the arrest of a woman in connection with a series of anti-Muslim hate attacks in the Bay Ridge area of Brooklyn, incidents that occurred last week and included a 12-year-old girl among the victims.
According to police, the first incident involved a 33-year-old woman who was pushed and kicked outside a building on Fifth Avenue by an unknown assailant. Authorities said the attacker made Islamophobic remarks during the assault.
Minutes later, the same suspect allegedly pushed a 39-year-old woman from behind as she was boarding a bus on 92nd Street. A third attack occurred approximately three minutes afterward, when a 12-year-old girl reported being struck in the face near the Fort Hamilton Parkway area.
Police said all three victims were wearing hijab at the time of the attacks and, despite sustaining injuries, declined medical treatment. No arrests were made at the scene.
Following an investigation, police said the suspect was taken into custody on February 4 at the 68th Precinct. The individual was identified as Megan Horne, a 34-year-old resident of Staten Island, who faces multiple charges, including assault as a hate crime, aggravated harassment as a hate crime, endangering the welfare of a child, and assault.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the Islamophobic attacks, praised the swift action by law enforcement, and stressed that no resident—especially children—should ever be targeted because of their religious beliefs.
New York City Council member Alexa Avilés, who represents the area, also denounced the attacks and expressed solidarity with the Muslim community, warning that the incidents reflect a troubling climate of Islamophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment. She added that her office is working with police and local organizations to enhance protections for Muslim residents, particularly as the month of Ramadan approaches.
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