Edited by: TJVNews.com

In a courtroom spectacle that unfolded after the sentencing of Mahmoud Musa, one of the attackers convicted in the 2021 beating of Jewish man Joseph Borgen, tensions ran high as Musa shouted ‘Free Palestine’ while being led to a holding cell, as was reported by the MailOnline.com. Musa received a seven-year prison sentence plus five years of probation for his role in the unprovoked attack on Borgen, who was heading to a pro-Israel rally in Times Square when he was assaulted by a group of men hurling slurs and pepper-spraying him, the report added.

The attack occurred amidst heightened tensions between Hamas and Israel in the Middle East two years ago. As Musa expressed his love to his family and shouted pro-Palestine slogans, chaos erupted in the courtroom, the MailOnline report added.  A supporter accused Judge Felicia Mennin of being racist, leading court officers to escort the disruptive individuals out.

Borgen and his supporters, adorned with blue ‘Justice For Joey’ hats, stayed behind after the commotion. As was indicated in the MailOnline report, Barry Borgen, Joseph’s father, expressed relief over the sentencing, emphasizing the need to address the rise of anti-Israel protests and anti-Semitism in New York City.

‘I’m glad that they finally realized their mistakes,’ he said. ‘They see the atmosphere that’s infesting New York City with the anti-Israeli protests and antisemitism, they have to crack down, and I think it’s just the beginning.’

In his victim impact statement, Borgen recounted the harrowing attack, detailing how Musa and his group targeted him without any provocation, according to the report on the MailOnline.com web site.  He described being in a fetal position, fearing for his life until the police intervened. Reports have also revealed that Borgen continues to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and wrist pain as a result of the brutal assault.

Although Musa apologized to Borgen and the Jewish community, Borgen believed it was insincere, stating, “I think he was only sorry that he got caught.”

The MailOnline.com report also noted that Musa’s attorney, Lance Lazzaro, argued for the minimum sentence, citing Musa’s young age at the time of the attack and a difficult upbringing in an atmosphere with relatives in Palestine. However, Assistant District Attorney Jonathan Junig pushed for a longer sentence, highlighting Musa’s alleged inappropriate behavior at Rikers Island and a lack of remorse, according to the report.

During his own statement in court, Musa took responsibility for his actions but claimed his behavior was unacceptable. As was said in the MailOnline.com report, Judge Mennin asserted that Musa’s selection of a random person of the Jewish faith was planned and intentional, emphasizing that the sentence was based on actions, not beliefs or identity.

The incident underscores the ongoing challenges of addressing hate-fueled violence and the delicate balance between freedom of speech and the consequences of intentional, targeted attacks.