Tarek Bazrouk, a 20-year-old from New York, has entered a guilty plea for committing hate crimes against Jewish individuals during a series of anti-Israel protests that took place in New York City from 2024 to 2025. At a status hearing held in federal court, he acknowledged his role in the assaults, which had drawn the attention of a grand jury that indicted him based on these allegations.
During the hearing presided over by Judge Richard M. Berman, Bazrouk presented his desire to plead guilty as part of a plea agreement. Emphasizing the impact of his actions, he expressed remorse for his behavior, indicating that his motivations stemmed from outrage over Israel's actions in Gaza. He admitted to assaulting individuals based on their identity and then represented his guilt in a statement concerning a specific incident where he punched a Jewish protester on January 6.
Bazrouk's criminal actions were documented by the Department of Justice, detailing multiple instances of aggression toward Jewish individuals at different protests. The first attack occurred on April 15, 2024, where he was seen wearing a green headband and harassed pro-Israel demonstrators outside the New York Stock Exchange. He reportedly kicked a Jewish college student while being arrested. His subsequent assaults included stealing an Israeli flag from two Jewish brothers and striking another victim in the face during a protest in January 2025.
The case took a significant turn when Bazrouk's cellphone was examined, revealing messages displaying antisemitic sentiments and support for Hamas. The evidence suggested a deep-seated animosity towards Jewish people, showcasing how his beliefs fueled his violent acts. The Department of Justice highlighted that his phone contained pro-terror group propaganda, painting a grim picture of his motivations. Bazrouk's sentencing has been tentatively set for October 1.
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