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Man Who Attacked Muslim JFK Worker Indicted on Hate Crime Charges, DA Says

By Ben Fractenberg | March 16, 2017 1:38pm

QUEENS — A Massachusetts man who assaulted a Muslim Delta worker at John F. Kennedy Airport is facing up to four years in prison after he was indicted on hate crime charges, the Queens District Attorney said Thursday.

Robin Rhodes, 57, was traveling back from Aruba to Worcester, Massachusetts, on Jan. 25 when he approached the hijab-wearing worker in a Delta Sky Lounge office, kicked her in her leg after threatening her and then yelled “f--k Islam” after she tried to get away, according to prosecutors.

“The defendant is accused of physically and verbally attacking a woman for no apparent reason other than because of her religion,” DA Richard Brown said in a statement. “Crimes of hate will never be tolerated in Queens County and when they do regrettably occur, those responsible will be brought to justice.”

Rhodes was arraigned on the indictment in Queens Supreme Court Thursday and charged with assault as a hate crime, unlawful imprisonment as a hate crime, menacing as a hate crime and aggravated harassment.

After following the worker out the office, prosecutors said the man also shouted, “F--- ISIS, Trump is here now.  He will get rid of all of you.  You can ask Germany, Belgium and France about these kind of people.  You will see what happens.”

He was arrested at the airport and told officers “I guess I am going to jail for disorderly conduct.”

Rhodes was released on $50,000 bond and is scheduled to return to court on June 12.

His lawyer declined to comment.