FORT LEE, NJ – A Jackson Heights, New York man was charged with harassment and bias intimidation after claiming Jews were responsible for the coronavirus. On April 20th, Afrim Haxhaj confronted a Jewish man in front in of the Dunk Donuts and told him to get out. When the Jewish man returned to Dunkin’ Donuts on Tuesday Haxhaj threatened the man and made physical contact.
Afrim Haxhaj, 30, of Jackson Heights, N.Y., was charged yesterday, April 21, by the Fort Lee Police Department with bias intimidation (4th degree) and harassment (petty disorderly persons offense). Haxhaj allegedly confronted a Jewish man in a Dunkin Donuts in Fort Lee on Monday, April 20, and told him to get out, saying Jews are responsible for the coronavirus. He allegedly warned the victim not to return. When the victim returned to the Dunkin Donuts yesterday, Haxhaj allegedly threatened him again, saying he does not want Jews in his neighborhood and bumping his chest into the victim. The victim left and called 9-1-1.