By A man from Massachusetts allegedly kicked and threatened a female Muslim employee wearing a hijab at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) on Thursday.
Robin Rhodes, a 57-year-old businessman of Worcester, Mass., approached and assaulted Rabeeya Khan at the Delta Air Lines Sky Club lounge, while she was on break. According to a statement from the District Attorney of Queens county, Rhodes punched the door and asked her if she was praying.
According to police reports, the door hit the back of Khan’s chair before Rhodes kicked her in the right leg. When Khan asked him why he was doing this to her, he responded, “You did nothing, but I am going to kick your … ass.”
In an effort to get away, Khan moved in a corner of the office. However, Rhodes stepped into the office and blocked her from leaving the office.
Once able to break free, Khan fled to the lounge’s front desk, where Rhodes proceeded to follow her while imitating how Muslims pray by going down to his knees. After calling her ISIS, he said:
“Trump is here now. He will get rid of all of you. You can ask Germany, Belgium and France about these kind of people. You will see what happens…”
On Friday, Delta Air Lines condemned the incident, stating, “What happened in this incident is totally unacceptable, and Delta has made its stance clear on these types of events. People who are violent or exhibit bullying behavior are not welcome.”
Rhodes has been charged with assault, menacing, harassment and other charges — and faces four years in prison if convicted.