QUEENS, NY — Christopher Philippeaux, a 26-year-old Manhattan resident, was arraigned on charges of felony hate crime for allegedly assaulting a 19-year-old Sikh man on an MTA bus. The arraignment took place last night in Queens Criminal Court.
According to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, Philippeaux is accused of taunting and physically attacking the victim on an MTA bus in Richmond Hill on October 15 at approximately 9:00 a.m. He faces charges of assault in the third degree as a hate crime and aggravated harassment in the second degree. Judge Maria Gonzalez ordered Philippeaux to return to court on October 23.
The incident occurred when the 19-year-old, wearing a medical mask and a traditional Sikh turban, was approached by Philippeaux, who yelled at him to remove his mask. Philippeaux allegedly pushed and punched the victim in the face, as well as the back of the head. He also attempted to knock off the teenager’s turban, making derogatory comments about the religious garment.
The victim received medical treatment for injuries including facial swelling, bruises, substantial pain, and a nosebleed. Philippeaux was arrested on Thursday.
District Attorney Katz emphasized the severity of attacks motivated by religious hatred, stating that such acts “will not be tolerated” especially in Queens, which she described as “the most diverse county in the United States.”
The investigation is ongoing.