An Afghan national was arrested and charged after Watervliet (New York County) police say he attacked his neighbor as a hate crime because of the victim’s Pakistani background.Police identified the suspect as Hussein J. Haider, 18 years old, said that the incident began with an argument between the two men over political and military tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Investigators said that the dispute began one day before the attack on the neighbor’s house in the city.Watervliet police allege Haider broke into the victim’s home on March 1 before dragging him outside.
During the confrontation, Haider made explicit insulting statements that targeted the man’s nationality and ethnic background, police said.Haider was immediately identified as the suspect and was placed under arrest at his home. 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 conflict is linked to tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which have recently witnessed cross-border clashes and air strikes.
Police said comments made by the suspect showed that the motive behind the attack was the victim’s ethnicity.At the court hearing, a passport was shown indicating that the suspect may be under 18 years old, raising questions about his age. Police later examined the passport and said it might be fake. Haider’s New York State driver’s license indicates he is 18 years old.After the initial confusion, Haider was returned to the Albany County Jail. The police said that the investigation into the case and the authenticity of the identity documents is still ongoing.The victim refused medical treatment at the scene.
