MAGA Hat Suspect Arrested for Racist Attack and Attempted Arson in NYC
New York City police have apprehended two men following a disturbing incident in which a suspect wearing a "Make America Great Again" hat allegedly hurled racial slurs at a woman and attempted to set her shoe on fire. The NYPD reports that the attack, which occurred in the Chelsea neighborhood, has been classified as a hate crime, with both individuals now facing multiple serious charges.
Violent Confrontation Captured on Video
The altercation unfolded around 2:50 PM on February 19 when Michael James, 33, wearing the distinctive red MAGA headwear, and Michael Santiago, 31, who recorded the incident using a selfie stick, allegedly began harassing pedestrians in the area. According to police statements, the confrontation escalated dramatically when James directed the N-word at a 54-year-old Black woman before making sexually suggestive comments and demanding to kiss her boots.
Video evidence shows the woman responding defiantly, telling James to "back up" as she began recording the encounter on her own cell phone. In a shocking development, James then produced a lighter and attempted to ignite the woman's $89 footwear, creating a small flame that quickly extinguished. Throughout the exchange, he repeatedly used the racial slur against the victim.
Social Media Amplification and Arrests
The recorded footage initially appeared on a social media account called ScrubsNYC before spreading virally across multiple platforms. Following the video's circulation, the suspects themselves uploaded additional content showing them reading a New York Post article about the incident. This digital trail ultimately helped authorities identify and locate both individuals.
NYPD Crime Stoppers released images of the suspects on Wednesday evening, leading to their apprehension by Thursday morning. The case has been transferred to the specialized NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force, reflecting the severity of the allegations and the racially motivated nature of the attack.
Multiple Charges Filed as Hate Crimes
James and Santiago now face an extensive list of charges including:
- Assault as a hate crime
- Criminal mischief as a hate crime
- Aggravated harassment
- Menacing
- Arson
- Criminal tampering
Police sources indicate that both men had been targeting multiple pedestrians before the specific incident with the 54-year-old woman occurred. The victim demonstrated remarkable composure throughout the ordeal, repeatedly refusing the suspect's demands and maintaining her dignity despite the verbal abuse and physical threat.
Social Media Profile Raises Questions
The ScrubsNYC account, which allegedly first posted the controversial video, maintains profiles across Instagram, X, and YouTube with minimal followers. Each profile features a hammer and sickle symbol alongside a biography referencing "Arte Povera"—an Italian avant-garde art movement from the 1960s and 1970s focused on transforming inexpensive materials into valuable artworks.
This artistic reference adds an unusual dimension to what authorities describe as a straightforward hate crime case. The Independent has reached out to the NYPD for additional commentary regarding the investigation and the specific motivations behind this racially charged attack in one of New York's most diverse neighborhoods.
The incident has sparked renewed conversations about hate crimes in urban environments and the role social media plays in both documenting and potentially encouraging such behavior. As the legal process moves forward, community leaders in Chelsea have emphasized the importance of reporting similar incidents promptly to ensure swift police response and appropriate charges.
