Local Officials Condemn Attack On Two Muslim Women & Their Babies

A shocking assault on two Muslim women and their babies, just days before the 15th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, has been condemned by local leaders.

Emirjeta Xhelili, 32, allegedly kicked, punched in the face and shouted slurs at two Muslim women pushing baby strollers near Bay 20th Street and Cropsey Avenue last Thursday afternoon, and also attempted to push over one of the baby’s strollers, according to news reports.

Xhelili is a resident of Bath Beach, reports the Daily News.

“Get the f–k out of here,” Xhelili allegedly yelled, according to the News. “Get the f–k out of America, b—–s….This is America — you shouldn’t be different from us.”

Xhelili also reportedly tried to rip the women’s veils off their heads during the assault.

City Council Member Mark Treyger released the following statement Saturday in response to reports of the attack:

“I would like to strongly commend Captain Anthony V. Sanseverino and the entire 62nd Precinct for their swift apprehension of an individual that assaulted two Muslim women and their young children in Bensonhurst simply because of their faith.

The person responsible has been charged with a hate crime, a felony assault, and I am strongly urging the District Attorney’s office to uphold this serious charge and deliver justice. This vicious hate crime has no place in our community. An attack on one person is an attack against us all, and we must all stand together against hate.”

Xhelili was arraigned Friday in Brooklyn Criminal Court. She was ordered held on a $50,000 bond or $25,000 cash bail, according to news reports.

Some news outlets have noted that Xhelili’s family hails from Albania, a Muslim-majority country in the Balkans. She has allegedly posted anti-Islamic statements on Facebook, along with praise for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.

In response to Xhelili’s arrest, local Assemblywoman Pamela Harris said over the weekend that “we can’t ignore the blatant anti-Muslim attacks that are spiking throughout New York City. Discrimination affects all of us, and we must continue to fight back as one united community.”

“Our community is an incredibly diverse place, with respect being the common bond holding us together,” Harris added.