NYPD Seeking Five Men After Times Square Attack On Lawrence Man

LAWRENCE, NY—One man was arrested after Joseph Borgen, 29, of Lawrence, was beaten Thursday night in Times Square. On Saturday the New York Police Department (NYPD) released photos of five more men they are looking for in connection with what they are calling a "gang assault" and a "hate crime."

Borgen was wearing a yarmulke and was on his way to a pro-Israel demonstration when he was attacked. "My message would be is we all want peace...what happened yesterday isn't the answer to anyone's problems," he told Fox 5 News.

According to police Borgen "was approached by a group of approximately five males who knocked him to the ground and assaulted him while making anti-Semitic statements. The individuals punched, kicked, pepper sprayed and hit the victim with crutches during the assault. A subsequent video and area canvass led to the apprehension of a 23-year-old male in the vicinity of West 47 Street and Broadway."

Waseem Awawdeh, 23, from Brooklyn, was arrested for the incident. Borgen has been released from the hospital.

Police are asking anyone with information to call NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).