Man who assaulted Sikh teen on NYC bus arrested, charged with hate crime
New York cops this week arrested and charged a 26-year-old for committing a hate crime against a Sikh teenager. According to reports, the man — identified as Christopher Philippeaux — attacked the victim on a New York City MTA bus.
Philippeaux was released on parole in 2021 after serving two years in jail.
The attack in question took place in a bus on 118th Street and Liberty Avenue in Queens on October 15.
Philippeaux confronted the 19-year-old Sikh boy saying, «We don't wear that in this country,» referring to the teen's turban. He also insisted that the teenager remove his mask.
The assailant proceeded to physically assault the victim, striking him in the face, back, and the back of his head, resulting in cuts and pain.
Additionally, Philippeaux attempted to forcibly remove the turban from the teen's head before departing the bus and fleeing along Liberty Avenue.
Records indicate that Philippeaux had been released on parole in July 2021 after serving time for an attempted robbery conviction in Manhattan, according to the New York Daily News. Moreover, he has had other recent arrests, including one for obstructing governmental administration in Brooklyn the previous month.
It seems that this particular case has been sealed.
The Sikh teenager, who was the target of this hateful attack, expressed his distress and anger in response to the assault, asserting that no one should face harassment based on their appearance. «Right now, the victim is very traumatized,» said community activist Japneet Singh, as reported by ABC News.
