Young woman in hijab attacked by man at US hospital

The 19-year-old is now suing the hospital and seeking nearly $25,000 in damages

Hospital surveillance video from February shows a woman in hijab, walking into the emergency room at a Michigan hospital in the United States.

She was seen seeking for help after falling on ice. Within seconds, a man approaches from behind and repeatedly punches her in the head, knocking the 19-year-old woman on the ground.

Hospital security and staff immediately rushed to help.

The attacker has been identified as John Deliz, police said he was discharged from hospital earlier in the day and was reportedly harassing other patients.

The woman is now suing the hospital, saying it should have done more to prevent the attack.



The victim’s attorney, Majed Mougni said: “In this particular case, if this person was causing a ruckus and disturbance so he should have been under-arrest instantly until the police arrived.

"After watching the video, and hearing my client's version of events, the circumstantial evidence would lead one to conclude that the attack was religiously motivated," the attorney told CBS News on Sunday. "There were five people in the lobby and my client was the only one who wore the hijab."

The 19-year-old young woman is seeking nearly $25,000 in damages.



"The hospital was aware of his condition as he was brought because he needed mental treatment. Instead of treating him, they discharged him into the ER waiting room," Moughni explained. "Instead of giving him mental treatment, they put him back in the patient pool, thereby giving way to his attack.

"She will never see life the same way she did before this incident," Moughni said of his client. "She is mentally and emotionally distressed. Afraid to go in public and always looking behind her back. She will never be the same again."

The suspect is held in custody as his next court hearing is scheduled in May.