Posted on 07/12/24
Washington, D.C. - July 12, 2024 - On Wednesday morning, July 10, Baltimore's Ariel Golfeyz, was assaulted in Washington, D.C.'s Foggy Bottom neighborhood in what police are investigating as a hate crime and Felony Assault. The attack took place near the Foggy Bottom metro station on George Washington University (GW) property. Golfeyz noticed a man behind him walking strangely for 8:30 in the morning and as he was about to make a turn to enter the train station he was “sucker punched” and driven into bushes. The assailant did not relent, delivering intense blows to Golfeyz's face and body, forcing him to fight back by grabbing the assailant's neck and then biting him on the leg. The assailant continued to beat him until a Special Police officer from George Washington University Police intervened. Golfeyz sustained significant facial bruising and believes he was targeted for wearing a kippah.
The attacker, identified as Walter James, launched an antisemitic tirade, blaming Jews for various societal issues, including wars and financial control. The incident was recorded on video, showing James ranting about Jewish people corrupting banks, the music scene, and governments, and accusing them of causing wars and murdering innocent people in Gaza.
To add insult to injury, Golfeyz learned late on July 10 that Walter James was also involved in an altercation on July 5th with three capitol Police officers after he trespassed on restricted Capitol property. Walter James was only charged with a misdemeanor for that crime and is pending trial with Capitol Police.
Golfeyz emphasized the importance of situational awareness and advised others to not rely on immediate help from others in such situations. He mentioned that he might conceal his Jewish religious items when walking in public in the future for safety reasons.
Golfeyz tells BJL: "B’Chasdei Hashem, I was not killed and will be bentching Gomeil this Shabbat at Beit Yaakob" (Rabbi Emanuel Goldfeiz)
Click here for case info
Click here for Capitol Police Report
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