NYPD investigates possible hate crime after Muslim woman assaulted in Brooklyn

BROOKLYN, N.Y. -- (WPIX) -- Police are investigating a possible hate crime after a woman was assaulted in Brooklyn Saturday afternoon.

Umber Nissar, 41, was walking down Avenue H near Rugby Road when a man tried to kick her by tripping at her feet, she said.

When he was unable to make her fall, the man kicked the victim in the right shin before fleeing, according to police.

Nissar and religious leaders believe this was a hate crime, and they're asking the NYPD to step up patrols on the streets and outside places of worship.

“It was shocking for me, too. I never expected anything like that would happen in this neighborhood,” she said.

“A guy just crossed the street just to come in front of me and kick me so hard and just walked away like nothing happened.”

Nissar describes herself as a proud Muslim-American and is thankful for the support of religious leaders and law enforcement as she speaks out.

“I think of my daughter. I think of my sister. I think of the other friends and family who live in this community who walk in the same attire as I am right now.”