Brooklyn Woman Indicted in Hate Crime Assaults Targeting Muslim Victims
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced the indictment of Megan Horne, 34, of Staten Island, on charges related to a series of assaults targeting Muslim individuals in the Bay Ridge neighborhood of Brooklyn. The incidents, which occurred on January 30, 2026, involved unprovoked attacks on three people wearing religious attire.
Details of the Attacks
According to the investigation, the first attack took place at approximately 2:25 p.m. Near Fifth Avenue and 89th Street, where Horne allegedly punched and kicked a 33-year-old woman wearing a hijab while making anti-Muslim statements.
Minutes later, at approximately 2:33 p.m., near 92nd Street and Gelston Avenue, Horne allegedly punched a 12-year-old girl, similarly wearing a hijab, in the face.
Shortly after, near Fort Hamilton Parkway and 92nd Street, Horne allegedly pushed a 39-year-old woman wearing a hijab as she boarded a bus, again making statements directed at the victim’s perceived religion.
All three victims reported experiencing pain, redness, and fear for their safety but declined medical attention at the time.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Horne was arraigned before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun on an indictment charging her with:
- Third-degree assault as a hate crime
- Third-degree assault
- Third-degree attempted assault as a hate crime
- Third-degree attempted assault
- Third-degree menacing as a hate crime
- Third-degree menacing
- Second-degree aggravated harassment
- Endangering the welfare of a child
She remains on supervised release and is scheduled to return to court on May 27, 2026.
Statement from the District Attorney
“This defendant is accused of targeting three people, including a child, in a string of unprovoked assaults allegedly fueled by anti-Muslim bias,” said District Attorney Gonzalez. “No one should be attacked, threatened, or made to fear for their safety because of their faith. We will seek to hold this defendant accountable and will continue working to protect all Brooklyn residents from hate and violence.”
Prosecution Team
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Sharmalee Brooks-Gordon, of the District Attorney’s Hate Crimes Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Kelli M. Muse, Chief of the Hate Crimes Bureau.
Disclaimer: An indictment is an accusatory instrument and does not constitute proof of guilt.
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