CAIR-NY Condemns Alleged Racist Knifepoint Menacing of Black Marine and Companions in Staten Island, Welcomes Hate Crime Charges

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(NEW YORK, NY, 8/14/2022)—The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) today condemned an alleged racist act of menacing directed at a Black Marine and his companions by an angry, knife-wielding resident over a parking space in the Arden Heights neighborhood of Staten Island early Thursday morning.   

According to police, the suspect, John Borzumato, 58, allegedly confronted Marine reservist Nathaniel Garcia, 20, and his companions as they were returning to their vehicle from a day at the beach. Borzumato, with knife in hand, allegedly charged the group, while shouting “you n****rs don’t belong here.” The victims took cover behind their car while neighborhood residents attempted to subdue Borzumato, who allegedly began piercing the car’s tires, prompting Garcia to intervene with an alleged punch to Borzumato face, which knocked him to the ground.   

Police have charged Borzumato with aggravated harassment in the second degree, hate-crime menacing in the third degree, weapon possession, and one count of harassment. Nathanial Garcia was charged with assault.  

SEE:   

• Staten Island man busted for hate-fueled attack on neighbor; victim also arrested after punching ‘highly intoxicated’ assailant

• Staten Island man accused of hate crime in alleged knife incident over parking space. Victim charged with punch

Afaf Nasher, Executive Director of CAIR-NY, said in a statement:

“This alleged racist behavior and the perverse sense of entitlement that feeds it are an affront to American values and must be repudiated at all levels of our society. America is great because of its diversity, not in spite of it. We commend Nathaniel Garcia for bravely defending himself and his companions from this potentially deadly attack and believe that he should not have been charged with any crime for doing so. We hope that the alleged assailant will be brought to justice in a manner that suits the despicable nature of his alleged crime."

She added that CAIR-NY and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging racial supremacy, religious bigotry, xenophobia, and all other forms of hatred.

CAIR-NY has condemned several other disturbing hate incidents in recent weeks:

SEE:

• CAIR-NY Denounces Destruction of Gandhi Statue Outside Hindu Temple in Queens, Welcomes Hate Crime Investigation

• CAIR-NY Denounces Racist Party Mocking Juneteenth Sanctioned by Rochester Fire Department Captain, Calls for Transparent Investigation and Accountability

• CAIR-NY Denounces Racist Subway Attack on Woman in Brooklyn

• CAIR-NY Denounces Hateful, Anti-Asian Voice Message Targeting New York Senator John Liu

• CAIR-NY Condemns Vandalism of Brooklyn Synagogue, Welcomes Arrest, Hate Crime Charges for Man Who Allegedly Painted Nazi Swastikas on Tombstones in Ellenville Cemetery

• CAIR-NY Welcomes Attempted Murder, Hate Crime Charges for Man Who Allegedly Assaulted Elderly Asian Woman in Yonkers

• CAIR-NY Condemns Racist Assault on Asian-American Man in Astoria, Welcomes Hate Crime Probe

CAIR-NY's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

La misión de CAIR-NY es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.

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CONTACT: Afaf Nasher, Esq., CAIR-NY Executive Director, 917-669-4006, anasher@cair.com; Ahmed Mohamed, CAIR-NY Legal Director, 646-481-2103, ahmedmohamed@cair.com