Korean Diplomat Attacked in Random Assault in Manhattan... Crime Surges in New York (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] A South Korean diplomat was subjected to a 'random assault' in the middle of Manhattan, New York, USA. There is speculation that this may be a case of hate crime targeting Asians, which has been increasing since the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to NBC New York and ABC News on the 10th (local time), the diplomat in his 50s (52 years old) was walking with a friend in Midtown Manhattan around 8:10 PM the previous day when he was assaulted by an unidentified man.

The diplomat was struck in the face without any reason, suffering a serious injury with a broken nose bone and was hospitalized. During the incident, when the victim showed his diplomatic ID, the assailant immediately fled on foot. It was confirmed that no words were exchanged between them.

As of the morning of the 10th, NBC New York reported that no one has been arrested yet, and the police have not disclosed any information regarding the suspect.

The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs also stated on the 10th that "a diplomat from the Permanent Mission to the UN was attacked and injured by an unidentified man in Manhattan, New York, on the afternoon of the 9th (local time)." The ministry added that the diplomat was treated at a hospital and discharged, and is currently resting.

ABC's WABC-TV quoted the police saying "there was no reason" and reported that the incident is not currently being investigated as a hate crime. Hate crimes targeting Asians have surged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously, on the 29th of last month, a 60-year-old Korean man running a grocery store in Brooklyn, New York City, was indiscriminately assaulted by a man demanding free goods.

Meanwhile, crime has been rapidly increasing recently in Manhattan, New York. Both New York Mayor Eric Adams and President Joe Biden, who visited New York this month, have expressed strong stances on cracking down on crime, but incidents continue to occur, increasing citizens' anxiety. The New York Post cited recent NYPD statistics reporting that violent crimes have more than doubled compared to a year ago across all police jurisdictions.

On this day as well, two subway crime incidents occurred from early morning to morning, and the police are currently investigating. A woman on the subway was stabbed by a man who approached her asking for time in the morning and was transported to a nearby hospital. The assailant fled the scene. Additionally, around 10:20 AM, a man in his 20s attempted to rape a woman on a subway passing through Lower Manhattan. The NYPD released a photo of the fleeing suspect.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.