Federal authorities have charged 20-year-old New Yorker Tarek Bazrouk with hate crimes after he allegedly assaulted three Jewish students in separate incidents between April 2024 and January 2025. A subsequent search of his Manhattan residence uncovered a cache of weapons, $750,000 in cash, and a phone containing violent, antisemitic messages and pro-Hamas and pro-Hezbollah images, according to prosecutors.
Bazrouk, who has been arrested multiple times for his conduct at Israel/Gaza protests, is accused of targeting Jewish individuals at demonstrations in New York City. In one instance, he allegedly punched a Jewish student in the face after a protest. In another, he reportedly harassed a victim before assaulting him and fleeing the scene. Prosecutors state that Bazrouk has a history of arrests, including for operating a drug factory.
During the search of his apartment, law enforcement officials discovered brass knuckles, four knives, a taser, an airsoft gun resembling a real revolver, spent casings from an actual firearm, and $500,000 in cash. An additional $250,000 was found in a subsequent search. Despite claiming to be unemployed and supported by his parents, Bazrouk’s net worth was reported as $3,000.
Prosecutors also revealed that Bazrouk’s phone contained messages expressing hatred toward Jews, including one stating, “Inshallah Allah get us rid of them.” Other messages included threats and references to violence.
