STATEN ISLAND, NY – A man convicted of targeting and conspiring to attack Jews across New York City was handed an 18 month prison sentence in federal court.
From at least May 2021 through about April 2022, Saddah Massoud and others conspired to commit hate crime acts in the Southern District of New York and elsewhere. In furtherance of the conspiracy, Massoud assaulted at least three victims based on the victims’ actual and perceived religion and national origin.
“Saadah Masoud repeatedly attacked New Yorkers based on their religion and national origin,” U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said. “The prosecution of this case and the sentence imposed today make clear that hate-fueled violence will not be tolerated in our community and that this Office will be unrelenting in our efforts to hold accountable those who perpetrate senseless crimes of hate.”
The Department of Justice confirmed the following three attacks carried out by Masoud.
- On or about April 20, 2022, in Manhattan, Masoud assaulted a victim who was wearing an Israeli flag;
- On or about June 2, 2021, in Brooklyn, Masoud and a co-conspirator assaulted a victim who was wearing clothing traditionally associated with the Jewish religion, including a yarmulke, while the victim was sitting outside the victim’s own home; and
- On or about May 20, 2021, in Manhattan, Masoud assaulted a victim who was wearing a Star of David necklace.
In addition to his prison term, SAADAH MASOUD, 29, of Staten Island, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release.