A man known for “Jewish Hatred” was arrested on Wednesday after allegedly attacking several Jewish individuals across New York City in what federal authorities are treating as hate crimes.
Tarek Bazluk, 20, was taken into custody by federal agents due to three counts of hate crimes linked to anti-Semitic acts during protests related to the Israel-Gaza War that began in April of the previous year, according to federal prosecutors.
A sealed criminal complaint revealed that Bazluk had been previously arrested multiple times by the NYPD for his hateful behavior. Authorities found pro-Hamas propaganda on his phone and discovered a message where he referred to himself as a “Jewish hater.”
Bazluk had also expressed to a friend that he felt “crazy happiness” upon learning that some of his relatives were connected to Hamas.
FBI Director Kash Patel commented on the arrests, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to pursuing those who commit violence against Jewish citizens. “Today’s arrests send a clear message that we are not retreating,” he stated, thanking the FBI team for their efforts.
The allegations against Bazluk date back to April 15 last year, during which he allegedly assaulted three Jewish individuals at protests outside the New York Stock Exchange. According to federal filings, he wore a green headband associated with Hamas and reportedly charged into a group waving Israeli flags.
While being detained, it was reported that he kicked a Jewish college student in the stomach.
Additionally, he had an incident on December 9 near an Ivy League school, where he became enraged over an anti-Hitler flag and vandalized it. A 22-year-old victim, Jonathan Lederer, recounted that Bazluk attacked him after he attempted to intervene during the altercation.
In another instance, on January 6, Bazluk allegedly targeted protesters whose Israeli flags were defaced. Reports indicate that he punched one protester in the face while sporting a kufiya.
Investigators uncovered a significant amount of anti-Semitic material on Bazluk’s phone. In text messages, he described Jews in derogatory terms and incited violence against individuals displaying support for Israel.
Having faced prior arrests for various assaults, hate crimes, and harassment, Bazluk now faces these new federal hate crime charges, each potentially carrying a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. He is set to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron later today.
