NEW YORK — Two men were taken into custody this week in connection with a disturbing incident in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood in which a woman’s boots were set aflame and racial insults were reportedly directed at her. According to police, the episode — which was partially captured on video — unfolded in broad daylight and has led authorities to pursue hate crime charges against both suspects.
Incident Unfolds on Chelsea Street
Police say the incident occurred in the late afternoon on Feb. 19 near West 26th Street and Seventh Avenue when a 54-year-old woman walking through the area was approached by two men. One of the men, seen in released photos wearing a red “Make America Great Again”-style hat, allegedly initiated an unwanted advance before the situation deteriorated.
When the woman rebuffed the advance and attempted to continue on her way, investigators say racial insults targeting her broke out before one of the men produced a lighter and ignited her boots. Although the boot fire was brief and quickly extinguished, police confirmed that the footwear was damaged and the woman was frightened but not physically injured.
Arrests and Charges Filed
The NYPD says both men were later identified and arrested in connection with the case. They are accused of multiple offenses, including attempted assault as a hate crime, criminal mischief, arson, menacing, aggravated harassment, and criminal tampering. Officers classified the act as a bias-motivated crime due to the alleged use of racial slurs during the encounter.
Police released images of the suspects prior to the arrests showing one man filming the interaction while the other engaged the woman. Both men now face prosecution, and authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the event.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
Local law enforcement officials have stressed that they are treating the case seriously given its potential hate crime elements. The NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force is reportedly involved in reviewing evidence, including video footage and witness statements, to determine whether additional charges could be pursued.
The case has drawn attention online and in local circles, serving as a reminder of ongoing concerns about public harassment and bias-related crimes in major cities.
