New York City man faces multiple hate crime charges for allegedly punching people

The Manhattan District Attorney's office indicted a Brooklyn man on several hate crimes on Tuesday, including for the assault of a 23-year-old woman in March. 

Skiboky Stora allegedly assaulted three individuals since Sept. 20, 2023, and followed and harassed a Jewish couple who took pictures of him tearing down posters of Israeli hostages in November. Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg described the alleged incidents as anti-female, anti-white, and antisemitic hate crimes.

"Skiboky Stora allegedly committed a series of hate-motivated incidents against several individuals based on their perceived gender, race and religion," Bragg said in a statement, per ABC News. "Much of what defines our city is respect and acceptance of all people. Nobody should have to fear for their safety because of their identity. I thank our prosecutors for their unwavering commitment in seeking justice for these victims."

Stora, who is representing himself in the case, said Bragg was "corrupted" and was targeting him because he was running for office. Stora reportedly ran for New York City council last year, but failed to get on the ballot. He also ran for mayor and governor in the last three years, according to the New York Post, and was disqualified from the gubernatorial race in 2022. He has pleaded not guilty to the allegations.

"They're [trying to] indict me man...this guy Alvin Bragg he's corrupted," Stora said outside the courtroom on Tuesday, local media reported." We just [trying to] run for office."

Stora allegedly hit the 23-year-old woman randomly while she was walking down the street in Chelsea. The woman fell down to the ground, and suffered pain and swelling on the left side of her head, according to Bragg. He also allegedly elbowed a 17-year-old student in September, said a curse word, and told the student, “You people think you can do whatever ... you want." 

In October, he hit a 37-year-old woman in the shoulder and bruised her, according to prosecutors. Then in November he allegedly followed the couple that took a picture of him tearing down the posters, hurled antisemitic and anti-white rhetoric at them, and told them to, "die Jews, die!"

Stora's next court date is Aug. 6, 2024, according to the Associated Press, and he will represent himself in court.