Tarek Bazrouk, a New York resident, has been charged with federal hate crimes for allegedly assaulting Jewish individuals during protests related to the Israel/Gaza conflict. The charges were announced by Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Harmeet K. Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General; Christopher G. Raia, FBI Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office; and Jessica S. Tisch, NYPD Commissioner.
According to the indictment unsealed today, Bazrouk is accused of targeting Jewish victims on three separate occasions between 2024 and 2025. He was arrested this morning and will appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton stated: “As alleged, on three separate occasions, Tarek Bazrouk deliberately targeted and assaulted Jewish victims at protests relating to the Israel/Gaza war... This Office is dedicated to seeking justice for victims of hate-based crimes.”
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon emphasized: “The Civil Rights Division will continue to relentlessly pursue allegations of antisemitic violence... Under Attorney General Pam Bondi’s leadership, we will use all available resources.”
FBI Assistant Director Christopher G. Raia commented: “Over the course of nine months, Tarek Bazrouk allegedly targeted and violently attacked multiple Jewish victims... The FBI won’t tolerate this behavior.”
NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch added: “As alleged, Tarek Bazrouk deliberately set out to harm Jewish New Yorkers — targeting them at protests... Antisemitism and all forms of bigotry have no home here in New York.”
The indictment details that Bazrouk physically assaulted three individuals at different protests concerning the Israel/Gaza war over nine months. Evidence from his cellphones indicated an anti-Semitic bias and support for groups like Hamas.
Bazrouk faces three counts of committing hate crimes with each charge carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison if convicted.
Jay Clayton praised the investigative work done by the FBI and acknowledged assistance from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and NYPD.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sam Adelsberg and Jim Ligtenberg are handling prosecution efforts as part of the Civil Rights Unit in the Criminal Division.
The charges remain accusations until proven guilty as per legal standards.