Man indicted on hate crime charges after series of violent attacks in NYC

A Brooklyn man has been indicted on multiple hate crime charges following a series of violent assaults and harassment incidents in New York City over the past year. Skiboky Stora, 40, faces three counts of third-degree assault as a hate crime, one count of third-degree stalking as a hate crime, and aggravated harassment in the second degree, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office announced on Tuesday.

The indictment stems from a string of attacks targeting at least five individuals from September 2023 to March 2024. The victims, including a woman who shared her ordeal on TikTok, reported that Stora’s assaults were motivated by “anti-female, anti-white, and antisemitic” sentiments.

Stora was initially arrested in March after allegedly striking a 23-year-old woman in the head as she walked in Chelsea, causing her to fall and suffer pain and swelling. The incident gained widespread attention after the woman posted a tearful video on TikTok describing the assault. “I was literally just walking and a man came up and punched me in the face,” she recounted. “Oh, my God, it hurts so bad. I can’t even talk.”

According to the DA’s office, the first known attack occurred on September 20, 2023, when Stora allegedly elbowed a 17-year-old white student in Chelsea, accompanying the assault with a racial slur. Subsequent attacks included elbowing a 37-year-old fair-skinned woman in Chelsea on October 26 and harassing a white Jewish couple in Union Square on November 18. In the latter incident, Stora allegedly followed the couple into an apartment building lobby while shouting, “Die, Jews, Die!”

“Skiboky Stora allegedly committed a series of hate-motivated incidents against several individuals based on their perceived gender, race, and religion,” said District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg. “Nobody should have to fear for their safety because of their identity.”

Stora, who has a history of running for public office in New York City, was arraigned on Tuesday and pleaded not guilty to the hate crime charges. Representing himself in court, his next hearing is scheduled for August 6. His political endeavors include participating in the 2021 New York City mayoral debate and running for various positions such as New York governor and a District 9 seat on the New York City Council.

As the case progresses, the Manhattan DA’s Office underscores its commitment to prosecuting hate crimes and ensuring the safety of all New Yorkers.