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Police release video of man suspected of setting Muslim tourist on fire in Manhattan

Posted at 7:42 AM, Sep 13, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-13 09:42:46-04

MIDTOWN EAST, Manhattan – The NYPD has released footage of a man who they believe lit a Muslim tourist's blouse on fire in front of a luxury clothing store on Fifth Avenue last Saturday.

The 35-year-old victim, dressed in a traditional Muslim garb, was outside Valentino in midtown just before 9 p.m. when she says felt something warmon her left arm and noticed her blouse was on fire, police said.

She patted out the fire and saw a man standing next to her with a lighter in his hand, according to police.

The individual then walked away eastbound on East 54th Street. Surveillance video shows the alleged attacker in a black tank-top and dark-colored jeans.

The victim refused medical attention.

The NYPD's Hate Crime and Task Force is investigating the incident.

The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) condemned attack on the woman in the latest in a series of attacks on Muslims and urged Mayor Bill de Blasio to add resources for the investigation of hate crimes.

Anyone with information in regards to the above incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).