An Afghan national has been arrested and charged after Watervliet (County in New York) police said he attacked his neighbour as a hate crime because of the victim’s Pakistani background.
Police identified the suspect as 18-year-old Hossein G. Haidar and said the incident began with an argument between the two men over political and military tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Investigators said the argument started one day before the attack at the neighbour’s home in the city.
Watervliet Police allege that Haidar forced his way into the victim’s house on March 1 before dragging him outside.
During the confrontation, police said Haidar made explicit derogatory statements targeting the man’s nationality and ethnic background.
Haidar was immediately identified as the suspect and placed under arrest at his residence. He was charged with third-degree assault as a hate crime and second-degree burglary as a hate crime. Bail was set at $10,000, and he was sent to the Albany County Jail.
Investigators said the dispute was linked to tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which have recently seen cross-border clashes and air strikes.
Police said comments made by the suspect showed that the attack was motivated by the victim’s ethnicity.
At the court hearing, a passport was shown that suggested the suspect could be under 18, raising questions about his age. Police later examined the passport and said it may be fake. A New York State driver’s licence listed Haidar as 18.
After initial confusion, Haidar was returned to the Albany County Jail. Police said the investigation into the case and the authenticity of the identification documents remains ongoing.
The victim declined medical treatment at the scene.
