Elderly Churchgoer Attacked by Protester Inside New York City Church

Leo Canega

NEW YORK CITY, NY – The New York City Police Department is asking for public assistance in identifying a suspect involved in an assault at a church.

The incident occurred on Sunday, December 17, 2023, around 12:20 pm at 22 Barclay Street. An unidentified male disrupted a church service and, when confronted by a 70-year-old male attendee, assaulted him with pepper spray before fleeing eastbound on Barclay Street.

The victim sustained minor injuries but declined medical treatment.


The suspect is described as a male with a light complexion, wearing a blue jacket, khaki pants, and a blue hat with a red brim and white writing.

Information regarding this incident can be reported to the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or 1-888-57-PISTA (74782) for Spanish. Tips can also be submitted online or via Twitter @NYPDTips. Media depicting the suspect is available at the Department’s website.

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