Times Square Food Cart Vendor Indicted in Attempted Murder of Club Promoter
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A 23-year-old food cart vendor, Ahmad Mossad, has been indicted on charges of attempted murder and assault following an alleged attack on a 45-year-old club promoter in Times Square on March 16. Teh incident left the victim with severe burns and in a medically induced coma for several weeks. Mossad fled to Egypt shortly after the attack but was arrested by the NYPD upon his return to New York City on November 25. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg described the alleged crime as “absolutely heinous.”
The Incident in Times Square
According to the indictment, Mossad was working at a food cart on West 41st Street between Broadway and Seventh Avenue when the club promoter approached him. After a brief interaction, the promoter walked away. Prosecutors allege that Mossad then filled a water bottle with gasoline from his food cart and waited for the promoter to reappear. https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/times-square-food-cart-vendor-indicted-attempted-murder-burning-club-promoter/5644491/
The promoter did return,and the two men had a second interaction,the details of which remain unclear. Mossad then allegedly ignited the gasoline-filled bottle and set the promoter on fire. The victim’s body was engulfed in flames, and he ran through Times Square seeking help. Two NYPD officers quickly responded, extinguishing the flames and transporting him to a hospital.https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/11/nyregion/times-square-burning-attempted-murder.html
Victim’s Injuries and Recovery
The victim suffered second- and third-degree burns covering approximately 20% of his body. He was placed in a medically induced coma for several weeks to manage the pain and facilitate healing. His current condition and ongoing recovery efforts have not been publicly detailed beyond the initial reports of severe injuries. https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/times-square-food-cart-vendor-indicted-attempted-murder-burning-club-promoter/5644491/
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Following the attack, Mossad fled to Egypt and remained there for over eight months. He returned to New York city on November 25, where he was immediately arrested by the NYPD. As of December 12, 2023, attorney facts for Mossad was not publicly available.https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/11/nyregion/times-square-burning-attempted-murder.html
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg stated,”I know the victim has suffered excruciatingly painful injuries as a result of this incident,and I hope he can continue to improve and recover.” https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/times-square-food-cart-vendor-indicted-attempted-murder-burning-club-promoter/5644491/
Ongoing Investigation and Potential Penalties
The investigation into the incident is ongoing. If convicted of attempted murder, Mossad could face a meaningful prison sentence. The specific penalties will depend on the severity of the charges and any mitigating or aggravating factors presented during the trial.
This case highlights the potential for violence even in highly public spaces like Times Square and underscores the serious consequences of such acts.The legal proceedings will continue as the case moves forward, with the hope of justice for the victim and a full understanding of the events that led to this horrific attack.
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