Rego Park man charged with hate crime assault in attack on Muslim family

The alleged attack occurred at an apartment building on Woodhaven Boulevard. Google Maps

By David Brand

A second man is facing hate crime assault charges for his alleged role in a November attack on a Muslim couple outside their Rego Park apartment.

Eric Leon, 37, is charged with second-degree assault as a hate crime and other offenses for allegedly beating his neighbor Khaled Aly in front of Aly’s wife Neamat Taha and children. Police and prosecutors say the alleged attack occured after Leon and another woman, Giselle DeJesus attempted to remove Taha’s hijab and called Aly a “f------ Muslim.” 

The NYPD initially declined to pursue a hate crime investigation before encountering pushback from Muslim advocates and, local lawmakers. 

“Perpetrators of hate crimes must be held accountable everywhere and certainly in the most diverse county in the nation,” said Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz on Friday following Leon’s arraignment. 

He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted. DeJesus was arraigned last month.

Leon allegedly pushed Aly to the ground before kicking him and threatening to kills his family, prosecutors said. Aly was treated for facial injuries at a nearby hospital. 

Leon’s attorney did not respond to a request for comment.