Manhattan DA Launches Hate Crime Investigation Over Incident Involving Harris Poster in Store Window

The Manhattan District Attorney's office has opened a hate crime investigation following an incident in which a New York City clothing store owner was allegedly attacked over a poster of Vice President Kamala Harris displayed in her store window.

A spokesperson from the district attorney's office confirmed that its Hate Crimes Unit is actively investigating the matter, though details about potential charges against the suspect, Juan Bernal, will not be disclosed until his arraignment on September 25.

The New York City Police Department (NYPD) reported that Bernal, a 76-year-old New York City resident, was arrested on Saturday and charged with third-degree assault. Authorities are still looking into the specifics surrounding the case.

The incident reportedly took place on August 30 outside Tanya's Luxury Fashion Boutique, owned by Tanya Young Williams, located in Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Williams said that while standing in the doorway of her store, a man walked by, noticed the Harris poster in the window, and returned shortly after. The man, later identified as Bernal, pointed to his Donald Trump shirt and allegedly said, "You should have this in your window."

Williams explained that she moved toward Bernal in an attempt to prevent him from entering the store and responded, "I’m supporting Kamala." According to Williams, Bernal then spat at her multiple times. She claims that when she grabbed him by the shoulders, telling nearby witnesses to call the police, Bernal allegedly pushed her, causing her to fall and hit her head against the store’s door. She also said she tore a piece of Bernal's shirt, which had a button that read "We stand with Israel."

Williams stated that during the altercation, Bernal directed racial slurs at her. However, the initial police report from the NYPD did not mention this racial element. Williams expressed confusion as to why these details were omitted from the official report.

In response to the incident, Bernal disputed Williams' claims and has stated that he is in the process of securing legal representation. He voluntarily went to the police after hearing the accusations, saying law enforcement appreciated his cooperation, and he is “trying to get out of this situation.”

Williams, who is the ex-wife of former NBA player Jayson Williams, has received public support following the alleged attack.