RNA - Soha Salama, who works for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, was commuting to work on the 7 train toward Grand Central Terminal when a man began verbally assaulting her. According to Fusion, the man reportedly called Salama — who wears a hijab — a "terrorist" and said she shouldn't be allowed to work in the city. He also told Salama, who has lived in NYC for 20 years, to "go back" to her country.
But it didn't stop there. The alleged attacker — whom The New York Police Department described as a Hispanic man around five feet, ten inches tall — then followed Salama after she got off the train. Shortly after, he pushed her down the exit staircase, causing injuries to her knee and ankle. Salama wasreportedly taken to the hospital for her injuries. The NYPD is currently investigating the incident with the cooperation of the MTA, State Police and the Division of Human Rights.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo voiced frustration over the incident and reaffirmed citizens that the city values diversity and tolerance of different cultures.
"This is the great state of New York – we welcome people of all cultures, customs and creeds with open arms," Cuomo said in a statement released Monday. "We do not allow intolerance or fear to divide us because we know diversity is our strength and we are at our best when we stand united."
Salama's incident is the third such attack on Muslim women in NYC within the past seven days.
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