Self-proclaimed 'Jew hater' pleads guilty after targeting victims at NYC protests
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

A New York man charged with federal hate crimes after repeatedly assaulting Jewish counter-protesters at anti-Israel protests in New York City between 2024 and 2025, pleaded guilty to one count as part of an agreement during a court hearing Wednesday.

Tarek Bazrouk, 20, appeared Wednesday afternoon for a status hearing in federal court, where he was facing three counts of committing hate crimes for allegedly targeting and assaulting Jewish people at three NYC protests related to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. A grand jury indicted him last month.

During the status hearing, Bazrouk pleaded guilty to one count as part of an agreement in which a superseding information document was presented. In essence, the document replaces a previously filed indictment in a criminal case.

A bearded Bazrouk appeared in court wearing a tan jumpsuit and black eyeglasses and shuffled through papers while waiting for the hearing to get underway.

He was arrested by the NYPD for lunging at a group of pro-Israel protesters, the DOJ said, and kicked a Jewish college student in the stomach while being taken to a patrol vehicle. The person he kicked was standing near Jewish protesters wearing kippahs, waving Israeli flags and singing Jewish songs.

Bazrouk allegedly assaulted another Jewish student Dec. 9, 2024, during a protest near a university in upper Manhattan, the DOJ said. The second victim was with his brother – both were wearing kippahs – and had an Israeli flag draped across his shoulders while singing Jewish songs. 

Pro-Palestine protestors march throughout midtown Manhattan

Anti-Israel protesters march through Midtown Manhattan. (Stephen Yang for Fox News Digital)

Bazrouk was accused of stealing their flag and running off. The victim and his brother chased him through the crowd to retrieve it, and after they got it back, Bazrouk allegedly sneaked up beside the second victim and punched him in the face.

At the beginning of this year, on Jan. 6, Bazrouk allegedly committed his third assault on a Jewish person at a protest in Manhattan. The third victim had an Israeli flag draped around his shoulders and was wearing a hat with the flag and a chain with the Star of David. 

Bazrouk was wearing a keffiyeh on his face when he allegedly “made contact” with the third victim’s shoulder and wrapped his foot around his ankle. When the victim attempted to push him away, Bazrouk allegedly cursed at him and punched him in the nose.

Law enforcement obtained warrants to search a cellphone allegedly used by Bazrouk, which revealed an “antisemitic bias” and “support for anti-Jewish terrorist groups, including Hamas,” the DOJ said, citing court documents.

Bazrouk allegedly identified himself as a “Jew hater” in text messages, called Jewish people “worthless” and said “Allah” wanted “us [to] rid of [Jews],” among other vulgar statements, according to the documents.

The documents added he told a friend he was “mad happy” when he found out family members overseas were part of Hamas.

The DOJ described his phone as “littered with pro-Hamas and pro-Hizballah (sic) propaganda.”

Fox News Digital’s Kirill Clark and Elizabeth Pritchett contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Iran will retaliate 'with everything we have' if US attacks, senior diplomat warns

Iran Vows Fierce Retaliation Against US: Diplomat Warns of Full-Scale Response

Iran has issued a stark warning, stating it will retaliate “with everything…
DHS rule expands facial recognition to all US ports of entry for foreign travelers

Jewelry Heist Suspect in $100M Case Allowed to Leave U.S. Before Facing Trial

Thieves steal 30 million euros in German bank heist Stephanie Bennett, a…
Rob Steele listens a prosecutor describes his fiancee Mary Marshalls

North Carolina Teen Admits Guilt in Tragic Shooting, 5 Lives Lost

An 18-year-old has admitted guilt to murder and other charges in connection…
Surgeon ex in Ohio dentist murders job hopped across country, dodged lawsuits after divorce

Ohio Dentist Murders: Ex-Husband Arrested for Alleged Disguise and Deception Tactics, Experts Reveal

The former husband of an Ohio dentist’s wife, who now faces charges…
3 Democrats voted to hold the Clintons in contempt

Breaking: Three Democrats Defy Party Lines to Hold Clintons in Contempt – What This Means for the Future

(The Hill) — In a surprising twist, several Democrats joined forces with…
Shooting at an Oklahoma State University residence hall wounds at least 3 people

Immigration Authorities Permit Suspect in $100M Jewelry Heist to Self-Deport, Bypassing Trial

LOS ANGELES (AP) — In a surprising twist, federal immigration officials permitted…
ICE launches new operation in Maine amid Trump's broader illegal immigrant crackdown around the US

ICE Initiates New Operation in Maine as Part of Trump’s Nationwide Illegal Immigration Strategy

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carried out a significant operation in…
Daughter of LA mayoral candidate challenging Karen Bass suddenly dies

Tragedy Strikes as LA Mayoral Candidate’s Daughter Passes Away Unexpectedly

The tragic news of Austin Beutner’s daughter’s passing has sent ripples through…