NEW YORK, N.Y. — Police are searching for a suspect wanted in connection with a hate crime incident that occurred earlier this month outside a business on Grove Street in Manhattan’s 6th Precinct.
According to the NYPD, the incident took place at approximately 5:10 a.m. on Monday, June 16, in front of 80 Grove Street. An unidentified individual approached a commercial establishment, brandished a knife in the presence of a 36-year-old employee, and caused the employee to fear for his safety.
The suspect then removed several LGBTQIA+ pride signs from the exterior of the business and threw them to the ground before fleeing on foot. Police said the individual fled eastbound on West 4th Street and remains at large.
No injuries were reported during the encounter.
The NYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force is investigating the incident due to the targeted nature of the pride signage and the threatening behavior displayed during the act.
Authorities have not yet released surveillance images or a description of the suspect as the investigation remains active.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the NYPD.
