A deeply disturbing incident unfolded on a subway train in Queens, New York, on Wednesday, June 18, when a 55-year-old Muslim woman was violently assaulted after a man questioned her about her religion. The victim, who was commuting on the city’s subway network, was approached by the suspect who asked, “Are YOU Muslim?” before launching into a vicious attack that has since drawn widespread condemnation.
The assailant, later identified as 34-year-old Naved Durni, reportedly began striking the woman without warning. Witnesses say he repeatedly punched, slapped, and kicked her with brutal force, targeting her head, face, and neck. The attack left the woman seriously injured, as passengers on board the train watched in shock and fear. The savage beating only ended when the train pulled into the next stop, at which point bystanders and the subway conductor intervened and alerted the police.
Law enforcement authorities responded promptly and apprehended the suspect, who has been charged with hate crime assault, a felony under New York State law. According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), the charges stem from the clear religious bias displayed by the attacker, making it a crime motivated by hate and bigotry.
The woman, whose identity has not been disclosed for privacy and security reasons, was immediately rushed to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with a concussion, a broken nose, severe bruises, and swelling around her face and neck. Sources close to her family confirmed that she is currently unable to walk properly and is suffering from psychological trauma. She has expressed distress over being haunted by the face of her attacker, revealing that the mental toll of the incident has been as devastating as the physical injuries.
The attack has sparked outrage among civil rights organisations and Muslim advocacy groups across the United States. Many have decried the rising wave of Islamophobic violence and called for urgent policy actions to protect Muslims, particularly women who wear the hijab and are visibly identified by their faith. Groups such as the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) have demanded accountability and a firm stance against all forms of religiously motivated violence.
Reports from the FBI and community watchdogs have indicated a troubling rise in hate crimes in the U.S., especially those targeting Muslim communities. The Queens subway attack is now being viewed as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by religious minorities and the need for stronger safeguards in public spaces.
The NYPD has assured the public that the investigation is ongoing and that the case is being treated with the seriousness it deserves. The suspect remains in custody, and prosecutors are expected to pursue the matter vigorously in court.
As the victim recovers, both physically and emotionally, many are calling for a renewed commitment to justice, tolerance, and the protection of fundamental human rights regardless of faith or background.
