Hate Crime Beat Down Inside Pizzeria
By Dan Gesslein
Manhattan Voice
November 5, 2026
NEW YORK, NY – The NYPD is searching for a man in connection with a possible anti-LGBTQ hate crime inside a NoHo pizzeria earlier this year. Police have released new surveillance video showing the man, they say, repeatedly punched a customer in the face after going on an anti-gay rant inside a Manhattan pizza restaurant.
The incident happened on May 30 at approximately 4:30 a.m. inside Ray's Pizza at 2 Saint Marks Place in Manhattan. According to police, the suspect got into a verbal dispute with a 34-year-old customer.
As the argument escalated, the suspect allegedly began shouting a series of anti-LGBTQ remarks at the patron. The man then repeatedly punched the customer in the face in what police are investigating as a possible LGBTQ hate crime in New York City.
After the beating, police said the attacker pulled out what appeared to be a knife and waved it menacingly at customers and restaurant employees before fleeing the scene.
The victim was treated at the scene.
The NYPD has now released new surveillance video of the suspect in the NoHo pizzeria assault in hopes of identifying and locating the man.
Police describe the suspect as a male with a dark complexion and a large build. He has a goatee and dreadlocks tied in a bun. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a short gold chain, a patterned black shirt, burgundy pants and black shoes.
Anyone with information about the May 30 hate crime investigation at Ray's Pizza is asked to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). Spanish-speaking callers can call 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).
Tips can also be submitted online at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/ or through X at @NYPDTips.
All calls are confidential.
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