Police arrested a man on Saturday accused of menacing an Asian woman in Midtown one day earlier.
A 48-year-old East Harlem man is behind bars facing aggravated harassment and menacing charges, according to police. Bobby Eli allegedly yelled anti-Asian statements at a 65-year-old woman in Midtown on Friday. Police also said Eli frightened the woman when he swung an unknown object toward her.
He allegedly said to her: "Chinese b---- with blue hair, get out of my way."
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Eli was arraigned Sunday afternoon and his bail was set at $1, according to a spokesperson for the Manhattan District Attorney.
His arrest comes as community groups gather by the hundreds to protest against the rise in violence against Asian Americans.
Dozens of community groups in New York City were represented at a demonstration on Saturday where activists denounced racism and hate, and blamed ignorance and a lack of cultural education for flaming the two.
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The group is calling for greater community and solidarity to end discrimination against minorities instead of an increased police presence.
On Sunday, the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force said they were searching for an unidentified man who struck an Asian woman the night before and made anti-Asian statements.
The alleged assault occurred at the subway station near 51st Street and Lexington Avenue around 8:45 p.m., police said.
