MANHATTAN (VINnews) – A 26-year-old Jewish man was injured in a suspected syringe attack on a busy Midtown Manhattan street Wednesday evening, prompting an investigation by the NYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force.

The incident occurred shortly before 6 p.m. near Fifth Avenue and West 47th Street in the Diamond District. Police sources said a woman speaking Russian began following the man as he walked along the street.

Video released by Manhattan Shomrim appears to show the woman following the victim around a parked car as he tries to avoid her.

HATE CRIME INVESTIGATION: Manhattan Shomrim and the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force are actively investigating a stabbing that occurred today around 5:45 PM at 47th St. and 5th Ave.

​We are asking for the public’s assistance. If you were in the Diamond District/Midtown area around that time and witnessed the incident, or if you have access to storefront security cameras, dashcam video, or cell phone footage, please reach out immediately.

​ Manhattan Shomrim Hotline: (212) 430-2024

— Manhattan Shomrim Safety Patrol (@msspshomrim) October 22, 2026

The victim reported feeling a sharp, needle-like prick in his lower right back as he approached a nearby grocery store. He told police he believed he had been stabbed with a syringe.

It remains unknown whether the syringe contained any dangerous substance or whether the victim was exposed to any harmful material. Authorities had not confirmed what, if anything, was inside the syringe.

The man was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition.

The NYPD Hate Crime Task Force is investigating the incident, and police are seeking the woman seen in surveillance footage.