(JNS) A New York City resident was arraigned on Sept. 15 before a Queens Criminal Court judge for allegedly attacking and shouting antisemitic remarks at a Jewish man in the Far Rockaway neighborhood two days earlier..

James Purcell, 34, from Far Rockaway in Queens, was charged with assault as a hate crime in the third degree, assault in the third degree, obstructing governmental administration in the second degree, resisting arrest, aggravated harassment in the second degree and harassment in the second degree, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced. If convicted, he faces up to four years in prison.

On Sept. 13, Purcell approached a 58-year-old Jewish man and shouted antisemitic remarks at him including, “Shut up Jew, I’ll make you shut up,” according to the criminal charges.

Purcell then allegedly punched the victim in the face and continued to physically assault him while shouting more hateful remarks, Katz said.

“We will not tolerate assault motivated by hate in the most diverse county in the world,” Katz said. “These acts are offenses against our shared values and our shared right to safety and peace in our neighborhoods. This defendant is charged appropriately and will be held to account.”

The Hate Crimes Bureau in the District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.