A series of TikToks by women in New York documenting their experience being punched in the face by a rando has finally led police to their suspect: a Black man who made a bid for mayor.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office accused 40-year-old Skiboky Stora of being behind the punching spree around the borough that left multiple women with injuries to the face and head. In one case, a 23-year-old white woman documented in a TikTok video that she was just walking down the street in Chelsea when she got socked in the face by a man she identified as Stora.
Though this incident occurred back in March, the DA’s office said in their release the string of assaults date back to at least September 2023.
From “F-ck you, white boy!” to “Die, Jews, Die,” prosecutors allege Stora carried a habit of yelling anti-white expletives and antisemitic threats toward the victims. However, in the midst of the alleged tirade, Stora was also reported to have placed his bid for a mayoral candidate.
Read more from NBC News:
Stora has sought public office in New York since 2021 and participated in a New York City mayoral debate in 2021, NBC News previously reported citing public records. In 2022, he filed a handwritten petition to get on the ballot for New York governor. Last year, records show, Stora ran for the District 9 seat on the New York City Council.
Stora told NBC News on Wednesday that he allegedly filed a lawsuit against Eric Adams last year, that he intends to run in the New York City mayoral election against him next year, and believes that he is being charged as an act of political retribution, identifying himself as a Black Republican.
Stora faces three counts of third-degree assault as a hate crime, one count of third-degree stalking as a hate crime and aggravated harassment in the second degree.
“Skiboky Stora allegedly committed a series of hate-motivated incidents against several individuals based on their perceived gender, race and religion,” District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg said. “Nobody should have to fear for their safety because of their identity.”
In response to the allegations, Stora denied the claims listed in the indictment, per NBC. He told the outlet he “loved Jews” and denied ever meeting the woman who claimed she was attacked by him in Chelsea.