Man Arrested for Alleged Assault and Hate Crime on a Queens Train

A man previously known for anti-Muslim hate crimes was apprehended again this week after reportedly attacking a Muslim woman on a Queens train, resulting in a fractured nose and facial injuries. The incident occurred around 4 a.m. Wednesday on an E train passing through the 75th Avenue station.

The suspect, Naved Durrni, 34, approached a 55-year-old woman wearing a hijab and asked, “Where are you from? Are you Muslim?” When she confirmed her faith, he attacked her, hitting her repeatedly in the face, head, and neck, and kicking her, which caused severe injuries including nasal and orbital fractures. He then fled the scene but was captured a few blocks away.

During his arrest, Durrni was described as wearing a black Mets cap, a black durag, a black jacket over a red shirt, black pants with a white belt, and black Timberland boots. He was charged with hate crime assault and aggravated harassment and has been ordered held without bail.

The victim received treatment at a local hospital for her injuries. Meanwhile, Durrni, who has six prior arrests including violent incidents against Muslims in 2021, was also involved in previous attacks—one of which included punching a man and tugging a woman’s hijab, while shouting disparaging comments about the Prophet Mohammed and Jesus. Authorities noted that he previously faced a psychiatric evaluation after a series of hate crimes but was released without further details on his release conditions.

He also allegedly threatened a woman with a knife after bumping her on Sutphin Boulevard. Durrni faces an upcoming court appearance in connection with the latest assault, scheduled for Monday.