A New Jersey man, Alazim Baker, has been charged with two federal hate crimes following alleged assaults on Jewish individuals in Manhattan on October 27, 2025. The indictment was unsealed today by the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and FBI Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office, Terence G. Reilly.
Baker was arrested this morning and is scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn. The case will be overseen by U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian.
“As alleged, Alazim Baker deliberately targeted Jewish victims with violence,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Violence motivated by antisemitism or any other anti-faith bias has no place in this great city. Our collective strength as a city is the result of mutual respect for each other’s beliefs and rule of law. The women and men of our Office are dedicated to protecting life, property and faith.”
“Alazim Baker allegedly committed despicable hate crimes against multiple members of the Jewish community,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Terence G. Reilly. “Hate crimes like those in this indictment tear at the fabric of our communities. The FBI remains dedicated to holding perpetrators of these offenses accountable to deliver justice for victims and reaffirm to the American people that targeted violence will not be tolerated.”
According to allegations outlined in court documents and statements made on record, Baker approached a visiting Israeli rabbi near a kosher restaurant in Manhattan, repeatedly asking about his religion before physically assaulting him after preventing entry into the restaurant. During the altercation, Baker removed and spat on the victim’s yarmulke before punching him in the face, which resulted in injuries including bruises and a brain bleed.
Baker also reportedly directed antisemitic remarks at two others who tried to help—both visibly identifiable as Jewish—and assaulted one individual while threatening another who witnessed brass knuckles on his hand.
Baker faces two counts of committing hate crimes; each count carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment if convicted.
The investigation involved cooperation between several agencies: the FBI led efforts with assistance from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, New York City Police Department, and Port Authority Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sam Adelsberg and Emily A. Johnson are prosecuting the case through the Civil Rights and Human Trafficking Unit within the Criminal Division.
Authorities emphasized that all charges are currently allegations; Baker is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
