The attack was one of two in recent days in the city that are part of a nationwide surge in hate crimes against Asians and Asian Americans.
A homeless man on lifetime parole after serving time for killing his mother has been arrested in the brutal attack Monday on a 65-year-old Asian woman in midtown Manhattan. Police say Brandon Elliot,38, was apprehended in a hotel where he was staying that’s being used as a homeless shelter. The hotel is near the site of the attack. He was charged early Wednesday with two counts of felony assault as a hate crime, attempted assault as a hate crime, assault and attempted assault. If convicted, he could face up to 25 years in prison, the district attorney’s office said. Numerous tips led to Elliot’s capture, police told CBS News, adding that Elliot was released from prison in 2019. Police were offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to an arrest. There was no early word on whether the money would be awarded or to whom. It was one of two new vicious attacks on Asians in the city and came amid a sharp rise in hate crimes against Asians there and nationwide. Bystanders did nothing to help as the victims of the two latest New York incidents were attacked. A CBSN special, «Asian Americans Battling Bias: Continuing Crisis» airs Wednesday at 6p/8p/12a ET on CBSN. The one-hour special, hosted by Elaine Quijano, features roundtable discussions with Olivia Munn, Daniel Dae Kim, Cheryl Burke and other Asian American celebrities and thought leaders.
