One of the attackers who violently assaulted Joseph Borgen in an anti-Semitic attack earlier this year has been sentenced to seven years in prison. The sentencing was announced today, and it brings a small measure of justice to Borgen, who was viciously attacked simply because of his religion. The attacker’s punishment serves as a reminder that hate crimes will not be tolerated in our society. John M. Mantel captured the news for Fox News Digital.
A crowd of supporters gathered to back a Palestinian-American man who was found guilty of participating in a hate crime that involved beating a Jewish man in Times Square. However, during the sentencing, the group began shouting at the judge, which led to their removal from the Manhattan courthouse on Tuesday.
According to prosecutors, Mahmoud Musa was part of a group of men who viciously attacked Joseph Borgen in 2021 when they noticed him wearing a yarmulke in public. The attackers had planned to target Jewish individuals that day and came across Borgen on his way to a pro-Israel rally.
The charges against the GOP councilwoman who brought a gun to a protest in support of Israel have been dropped by the New York prosecutor.
In Manhattan, New York, Mahmoud Musa was present in the New York Supreme Court for sentencing on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023. Musa had pleaded guilty for the May 2021 assault on a Jewish man in Times Square and was sentenced to seven years in prison. The image was captured by John M. Mantel for Fox News Digital. As they left him with a concussion and a neck brace, the video of the attack captured the assailants hurling antisemitic slurs at him.
Hamas’ ‘Day of Rage’ Sparks Heightened Security in Major American Cities and FBI Attention
The recent announcement made by Hamas, declaring May 15 as the “Day of Rage” for Palestinians, has sparked concern and heightened security measures in major American cities. The FBI has also paid close attention to the situation, as the group has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States government.
Authorities in New York, Los Angeles, and other cities across the country have increased their police presence and surveillance efforts in response to potential protests or violent demonstrations that may arise from the “Day of Rage.” The FBI has also issued warnings to law enforcement agencies and urged them to remain vigilant and prepared for any potential threats.
Hamas’ announcement comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and Palestine, with violent clashes erupting in the region. The group has called for protests and demonstrations to take place in major cities around the world, including in the United States, to show solidarity with the Palestinian people.
The FBI has emphasized the importance of public safety and has encouraged anyone who witnesses suspicious activity or potential threats to report it to law enforcement immediately. The agency has also reminded the public that it takes all threats seriously and will work tirelessly to prevent any potential attacks or acts of violence.
As tensions continue to mount in the region, it is important for everyone to remain aware of their surroundings and to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. The “Day of Rage” has the potential to be a volatile and dangerous situation, and it is up to all of us to work together to ensure the safety and security of our communities.
In Manhattan, New York, on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, Mahmoud Musa attended his sentencing in the New York Supreme Court. Musa’s lawyer, Lance Lazzaro, gestured during the hearing as his client was sentenced to seven years in prison. The photograph of the hearing was taken by John M. Mantel for Fox News Digital.
During his victim impact statement, Borgen expressed gratitude towards the police for saving his life. “If the cops did not come, if they did not save my life, I would have died,” he stated. In the courtroom on Tuesday, Borgen’s supporters wore hats and T-shirts, advocating for justice and denouncing anti-Semitism. They sat silently, waiting for the proceedings to unfold.
Musa’s supporters made their entrance about 30 minutes into the hearing. While his defense team aimed for the minimum sentence of three and a half years, the prosecutors requested a longer sentence of six years.
The moment Judge Felicia Mennin announced Musa’s seven-year imprisonment, his supporters on the side of the courtroom erupted in protest, considering it as an unjust decision.
Outside the New York Supreme Court in Manhattan, New York on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023, Joseph Borgen talked to the media about the sentencing of Mahmoud Musa. Musa was given a seven-year prison sentence for the May 2021 attack on Borgen in Times Square. The photograph was taken by John M. Mantel for Fox News Digital.
According to The Post, reporters in the rear of the courtroom caught them referring to Judge Mennin as a “racist” due to the sentence being only a fraction of the maximum 15-year penalty.
The building was cleared by court officers who removed Borgen and his supporters. Afterward, it took around 20 minutes for the courthouse to be fully evacuated. Only then were Borgen’s supporters and members of the media informed that it was safe to exit the building.
Although Borgen expressed satisfaction with the verdict, he remains concerned about the prevalence of antisemitic violence amidst the ongoing protests surrounding the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Last month, the Palestinian terror group launched a surprise attack on Israel, exacerbating the situation.
After the verdict was announced, Borgen addressed reporters outside the courthouse and expressed his relief. “I am relieved that it’s over and that we were able to secure a strong prison sentence. This sends a clear message that hate crimes, including those against the Jewish community, will not be taken lightly in New York City,” he said.
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