Investigation Launched Into Attack on Muslim Transit Worker in New York City

State and city law enforcement agencies are coordinating actions to effectively combat a recent uptick in hate crimes after a Muslim New York City Transit employee was assaulted Monday morning, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said in a statement.

NEW YORK (Sputnik) — Earlier on Monday, a uniformed off-duty Muslim New York City Transit employee was reportedly assaulted by a passenger at Grand Central Terminal in New York on Monday morning.

The suspect allegedly called the station agent a "terrorist" and pushed her down a flight of stairs, causing multiple injuries.

"We do not allow intolerance or fear to divide us because we know diversity is our strength and we are at our best when we stand united," Cuomo stated. "I have directed the MTA, State Police and Division of Human Rights to work with local law enforcement to investigate these matters."

Cuomo added that the perpetrators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and reminded the community to remain vigilant.

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority has been repeatedly targeted in biased incidents after the US presidential election. On Saturday, swastikas were found drawn on a train while last week Ku Klux Klan flyers and banners were discovered on multiple train stations.