Woman accused of targeting Muslim victims in Bay Ridge indicted after attacks on three including child
BROOKLYN, NY — A Staten Island woman is accused of unleashing a series of hate-fueled attacks in Bay Ridge, allegedly targeting Muslim victims — including a 12-year-old girl — in a disturbing string of incidents, prosecutors said.
The alleged assaults unfolded within minutes of each other on the afternoon of January 30, as the suspect approached victims wearing hijabs and attacked them in separate locations across the neighborhood, according to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office.
Authorities identified the defendant as Megan Horne, 34, who was arraigned in Brooklyn Supreme Court on multiple charges, including assault as a hate crime, menacing as a hate crime and endangering the welfare of a child.
Prosecutors said the first attack occurred around 2:25 p.m. near Fifth Avenue and 89th Street, where a 33-year-old woman was allegedly punched and kicked while the suspect made anti-Muslim statements.
Just minutes later, near 92nd Street and Gelston Avenue, the suspect allegedly approached a 12-year-old girl wearing a hijab and punched her in the face.
In a third incident shortly after, near Fort Hamilton Parkway and 92nd Street, a 39-year-old woman was allegedly pushed while boarding a bus, again accompanied by remarks targeting her religion.
Officials said the suspect fled after each attack.
All three victims suffered pain and distress but declined medical attention at the scene.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez condemned the attacks, saying the defendant is accused of targeting victims “in a string of unprovoked assaults allegedly fueled by anti-Muslim bias.”
“No one should be attacked, threatened, or made to fear for their safety because of their faith,” Gonzalez said.
Horne remains on supervised release and is due back in court on May 27.
Key Points
- Woman indicted for three alleged hate crime attacks targeting Muslim victims
- Victims included a 12-year-old girl attacked in Bay Ridge
- Suspect remains on supervised release pending next court appearance
