Antisemitic Attack at Target
A woman is facing serious criminal charges after authorities say she attacked a Jewish man inside a Target store in North Miami Beach in what investigators are describing as an antisemitic assault.
According to the North Miami Beach Police Department, the incident occurred Sunday afternoon inside the Starbucks café located within the Target store on Biscayne Boulevard. Officers responded after receiving reports of an assault involving a customer who was allegedly targeted because of his religion.
Police Say Victim Was Targeted Because He Was Jewish
Investigators identified the suspect as 43-year-old Chyvonne Juanita Palmer of North Miami.
Police say the victim was sitting in the Starbucks seating area while wearing a yarmulke, a traditional Jewish head covering, when Palmer allegedly approached him and began yelling. Authorities allege she struck the man with a cellphone before briefly walking away.
According to investigators, Palmer then allegedly returned carrying a metal chair, raised it as if she intended to strike the victim, and advanced toward him while shouting antisemitic remarks. Witnesses told police they heard Palmer repeatedly say, “I hate them,” during the confrontation.
Witnesses Prevented the Situation From Escalating
Before anyone else was injured, two bystanders stepped in to stop the attack, according to police.
Authorities say the witnesses positioned themselves between Palmer and the victim, preventing her from reaching him with the chair. They then escorted the victim to a nearby restroom, where he remained until officers arrived at the scene.
Police said the actions of those witnesses helped prevent the incident from becoming more serious.
Suspect Faces Hate Crime Charges
Palmer was taken into custody without further incident.
She has been charged with aggravated battery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon with a hate crime enhancement, and disorderly conduct. Under Florida law, crimes determined to have been motivated by prejudice based on a person’s religion can carry enhanced criminal penalties.
According to the arrest report, officers attempted to question Palmer following her arrest. Police said her responses were disjointed and did not directly address the alleged assault.
Hate Crime Investigation Ongoing
The case remains under investigation as prosecutors review the evidence and determine the next steps.
The incident comes amid continued concerns about antisemitic incidents across the United States, with law enforcement agencies and advocacy organizations reporting increased attention to crimes targeting individuals because of their religion or ethnicity.
As with all criminal cases, the allegations against Palmer remain accusations, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
