‘Anti-Muslim’ Hate Crime Shocks New York

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - “The defendant is accused of committing what is every subway commuter’s nightmare: Being suddenly and senselessly pushed into the path of an oncoming train,” Richard A. Brown, the Queens district attorney, told The New York Times on Sunday, December 30.The attorney added that the woman, Erika Menendez, selected her victim because she believed him to be a Muslim or a Hindu.“I pushed a Muslim off the train tracks because I hate Hindus and Muslims,” the 31-year-old woman told the police, noting that she has long-standing prejudice against "Muslims, Hindus and Egyptians.”“Ever since 2001 when they put down the twin towers I’ve been beating them up,” she added.The attack occurred around 8 pm on Thursday at the 40th Street-Lowery Street station in Sunnyside.The victim, Sunando Sen, was born in India and, according to a roommate, was raised Hindu.Approaching him from behind, Menendez shoved him onto the tracks.Sen “was allegedly shoved from behind and had no chance to defend himself,” Brown said.Running after killing him, patrol officers picked her up early Saturday after someone, who had seen a video released by NY police on television, spotted her on a Brooklyn street and called 911.The attorney added that he had no information on the defendant’s criminal or mental history.“It will be up to the court to determine if she is fit to stand trial,” he said.She could face 25 years to life in prison if convicted.The death of Sen reflected a growing anti-Muslim hate atmosphere in the American society.“The hateful remarks allegedly made by the defendant and which precipitated the defendant’s actions should never be tolerated by a civilized society,” Brown, the Queens district attorney, said.End item/ 149