Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Muslim Man Wearing Islamic Attire Attacked In Queens By "Laughing" Assailants
By
Jen Chung
Published Jun 6, 2016
Modified Jun 6, 2016
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Chung
Published Jun 6, 2016
Modified Jun 6, 2016
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
A 59-year-old man wearing traditional Islamic clothing was brutally beaten by multiple assailants in Queens last week, and the Council on American-Islamic Relations wants the police to investigate whether the assault was a hate crime.
According to CAIR, Mohamed Rasheed Khan was approached by "three young men Wednesday night as he was leaving the Center for Islamic Studies on Jamaica Avenue." He was apparently knocked off his bicycle and punched. From CAIR:
Khan, who is an American citizen of Guyanese heritage, was wearing traditional Islamic attire at the time of the attack.
The alleged assailants did not steal the victim's wallet, watch or bicycle, and were reportedly seen laughing as they left the scene of the attack.
Khan suffered multiple broken bones in his face, fractured ribs and a concussion. He remains unable to speak or open his eyes, and is scheduled for surgery tomorrow at Jamaica Hospital Center.
CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher said, "Because of the location of the attack outside a mosque, the Islamic attire of the victim, and because nothing was stolen by the alleged attackers, we urge law enforcement authorities to investigate a possible bias motive for this troubling incident. We urge the NYPD to step up patrols in the area of the mosque, particularly during activities associated with the upcoming fast of Ramadan."
Khan's niece spoke to WABC 7, saying, "My uncle is an American citizen, and did not deserve this, and he is very humble and he doesn't bother anybody. He believes in Islamic ways—he was coming to pray, and Islam is all about love and caring for others. The criminals that did this, they don't identify with that."
Tagged
assault
CAIR
hate crime
muslim
queens
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Peepapalooza: NYC is heading to the Hudson Valley to watch the leaves
Don't be surprised if you run into someone from your building in Beacon.
By
Elizabeth Shwe
and
Sean Carlson
Published Oct 24, 2026 at 10:46 a.m. ET
NYPD: Officer shot, injured knife-wielding woman during ‘chaotic’ night at Queens home
The woman is in stable condition, police said, but several people were stabbed.
By
Ryan Kost
News
NYPD: Officer shot, injured knife-wielding woman during ‘chaotic’ night at Queens home
The woman is in stable condition, police said, but several people were stabbed.
By
Ryan Kost
3 slates vying to run Jersey City school board as city stares down major tax hikes
By
Michael Sol Warren
5 men charged with trespassing in 2 Manhattan manhole cases
By
Charles Lane
6-year-old girl breaks leg after getting hit by falling bricks in Queens
By
Charles Lane
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .