Police say they're investigating a hate crime on the subway in Borough Park.
The incident happened on March 17 at the 9th Avenue subway station before 11 a.m.
Police say the man approached a 20-year-old woman standing on the platform and made anti-Islamic statements before grabbing her arms and throwing her to the ground. He also took the victim’s cellphone and threw it to the ground, damaging it.
Riders like Corey say unprovoked incidents are becoming common.
“I’m a native New Yorker, but you know, the thing is, it’s more just like random acts," said Corey.
According to NYPD statistics, transit crime and hate crimes are slightly up across the city compared to this time last year. Commuters like Suzanne Meadows say the combination is unsettling.
“I think any hate comments are horrific and whenever we can, we should speak up against hate for all people," said Meadows.
EMS treated the woman on scene. NYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force is investigating the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).