SANTA MONICA, Calif. (VINnews) — Authorities revealed Wednesday that a man accused of chasing a Jewish couple with a baseball bat and unleashing his dog during an alleged antisemitic attack in downtown Santa Monica is being investigated for a possible hate crime.

*WARNING GRAPHIC LANGUAGE*

Santa Monica, CA – watch as a man identified as Nay Min Tar exits his car, chases a Jewish couple while screaming that they are "genocidal," and then allows his dog to attack them.

He has since been arrested and charged with assault, criminal threats, and additional offenses. pic.twitter.com/FYz2sK21C1

— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) May 27, 2026

Police said the incident happened Sunday afternoon near Third Street and Broadway, a busy shopping and tourist area.

According to the Santa Monica Police Department, the suspect, identified as Tar Nay, stopped his vehicle in traffic and began yelling threats at two pedestrians crossing the street.

Videos circulating on social media show the suspect driving slowly while holding what appeared to be a baseball bat and shouting accusations including “genocide” and “genocide perpetrators.” He is later seen getting out of the vehicle and chasing the couple on foot.

The couple told witnesses they believed they were targeted because they are Jewish.

Police said Nay allegedly displayed the bat from inside the vehicle before getting out and pursuing one of the victims while continuing to make threats.

Authorities said the suspect later returned with his dog, described as a male Cane Corso, which allegedly bit one of the victims on the thigh. The victim was treated at the scene for minor injuries and did not require hospitalization.

Officers later located Nay nearby and took him into custody.

He was booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and making criminal threats. Animal control officers took custody of the dog and transported it to a local shelter.

Police said detectives are reviewing witness statements, body camera footage and video evidence to determine whether hate crime charges or sentencing enhancements are warranted.

Authorities noted the suspect also shouted at others in the area, and an official motive has not yet been announced.

One of the videos was shared online by Benjamin Basire, who said he knows the couple involved.

“This is the reality many Jews face in America today,” Basire wrote on social media. “History has already shown us where silence and indifference can lead.”