NEW YORK — Police are looking for a man caught on video making a mad dash to the subway over the weekend.

The NYPD says a 37-year-old woman was on her way to a rally against anti-Asian hate on Sunday morning when the man near the Astor Pl subway station ripped her poster out of her hand and stomped on it. According to police, she says she asked him why he did that, and he punched her twice in the face, then he ran into the subway station.


What You Need To Know

  • Video released by the NYPD shows a man wanted in connection to attacking a woman on the way to a rally against anti-Asian violence Sunday

  • The attacks are top of mind following the Atlanta spa shootings that left eight people dead, six of whom were women of Asian descent

  • Congress held a virtual hearing condemning the recent attacks nationwide
  • A #StopAsianHate virtual day of action will be held on Friday, March 26 

That woman, who was trying to address the need for solidarity, became a victim herself. 

These attacks are top of mind following last week's Atlanta spa shootings where eight people were killed, six of whom were women of Asian decent.

Mayor Bill de Blasio addressed the disturbing spike in attacks in his Monday press briefing.

"This goes against everything we believe in this city, everything we feel as Americans. It is unacceptable, and we all need to fight it back in every way,” the mayor said. "It sickens me and angers me and we will deal with it aggressively. I want everyone in every was you can to help support our Asian-American neighbors. Speak up for them, help report anything you see."

Members of Congress held a virtual hearing Monday condemning the attacks.

"The massacre in the Atlanta area was horrifying and it only heightened even further the fear that Asian-Americans endure.  The violence against those of Asian descent must not continue," said Congresswoman Grace Meng, who represents parts of Queens.

A #StopAsianHate Virtual Day of Action will be held on Friday to galvanize support.

"We are asking everyone across this nation to take some kind of virtual action: a tweet, a post, an in-person event live-streamed," Congresswoman Judy Chu said.

The virtual event comes alongside rallies nationwide. They are being held to put an end the hate crimes against Asian-Americans, like the recent case in the East Village, where a woman was hospitalized with a cut and bruising to her lip.

Anyone with information on the case should contact the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-8477, or text CRIMES and then enter TIP577, or visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com.