An Arab-American Uber driver was a victim of a racist tirade by another driver in Astoria.
The incident took place on Nov. 17 on Crescent Street and was shared on the New York Post’s website. According to the Uber driver, who captured footage of the incident taking place on his cellphone, the attack was completely unprovoked.
On the video, you see a man in a white SUV yelling at the Uber driver, stating that now that Trump is president, the Uber driver can “kiss his visa goodbye” because he will be deported soon, as well as over obscene remarks regarding the Uber driver’s heritage.
The other driver also didn’t seem phased that he was being recorded.
“Video all you want, you’re an Arab, you’re a f***ing loser,” he said. “Exactly, video me, what is that going to do?”
Video courtesy of the New York Post
Senator Michael Gianaris released a statement today that condemned the actions seen in the video and denounces the hateful rhetoric and the violence that follows.
“In this community, we pride ourselves on our diversity and tolerance. Hateful rhetoric should not be tolerated in a neighborhood where all races and different beliefs are welcome,” Gianaris said. “More than ever, now is the time to unite and organize. We will stand together against cowardly attacks and show that our values and vision for our country will triumph over hate.”
Earlier this week, Governor Andrew Cuomo launched a toll-free hotline to report incidents of bias, discrimination and hate crimes.
“Hate crimes have spiked across the country and this state has not been spared,” Cuomo said in a statement on Thursday. “Last night, fliers glorifying the KKK were found distributed on cars in Patchogue. This morning, a swastika was discovered on the B train in Manhattan. These are just the latest incidents. My administration has launched a number of investigations into hate crimes targeting minorities and immigrants. I call on all public officials, of all parties, and indeed, all people everywhere, to denounce and repudiate these expressions, and to pledge to punish to the full extent of the law anyone engaged in such acts. To remain silent is to engage in a dangerous new permissiveness that threatens our American way.”
Residents who have experienced bias-motivated threats, harassment or discrimination are encouraged to call DHR’s toll-free hotline at 888-392-3644 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
