New York Woman Arrested After Alleged Syringe Attacks on Two Jewish Men in Manhattan

A 32-year-old Brooklyn woman has been arrested after allegedly attacking two Jewish men in Midtown Manhattan within minutes of each other, in incidents now being prosecuted as potential hate crimes.

Anna Mochalova was taken into custody following an investigation into an October 21, 2026, incident in the city’s Diamond District. Prosecutors allege that she targeted two men who appeared to be Jewish, including a 26-year-old man wearing traditional Hasidic clothing.

According to court documents cited by local news outlets, the first incident occurred around 5:50 p.m. near West 47th Street and Fifth Avenue. The victim told investigators that a woman followed him along the street before he felt a sharp, stinging sensation in his lower back. He later discovered that he was bleeding.

Investigators believe the object may have been a syringe, although police have described it more generally as an unidentified sharp object. The man was taken to Bellevue Hospital and was reported to be in stable condition.

About five minutes later, prosecutors allege, Mochalova approached a second man wearing a Jewish skullcap near West 45th Street. The man reported being repeatedly pushed from behind before feeling a sharp pain in his forearm. He suffered a cut but declined medical treatment at the scene.

According to the criminal complaint, the woman allegedly threatened the second man and claimed she had a gun. Prosecutors also said she approached a third person nearby and asked whether he was Jewish. When he said he was Muslim, she allegedly apologized and walked away.

The NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force investigated the incidents, reviewing surveillance footage and seeking information from the public. An officer reportedly recognized Mochalova from previous interactions, helping investigators identify a suspect.

Mochalova faces multiple charges, including assault and menacing as hate crimes, criminal possession of a weapon and aggravated harassment. At her arraignment, her attorney questioned whether police had correctly identified her. The allegations have not been proven in court.

A judge set bail at $50,000 cash or $150,000 bond. Mochalova is scheduled to return to court on October 29.

The case has raised concern among business owners and members of the Jewish community in Manhattan. Authorities continue to investigate the alleged attacks, while the legal proceedings will determine the charges and evidence against the accused.

Source:  DAILYMAIL