Enright, 24, faces 9.5 years in prison.PHOTO: REUTERS
Michael Enright, 24, faces 9.5 years in prison when he is sentenced later this month.
After hailing a taxi in Manhattan one evening in August 2010, Enright asked the driver, Ahmed Sharif, whether he was a Muslim, according to prosecutors.
When Sharif replied that he was, Enright slashed Sharif's throat with a knife, stabbed at his face, arms and hands and yelled anti-Muslim comments, prosecutors said.
Sharif survived the attack, and later he appeared with Mayor Michael Bloomberg at a news conference where he said he believed he was stabbed only because of his religion.
He was left with permanent scars on his face, neck and arm, prosecutors said.
"The victim, a native of Bangladesh and the father of four children, has been working and living in our diverse city for nearly three decades," Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance said in a statement following Enright's hearing in state Supreme Court in Manhattan.
"There is no place for bigotry in New York City," he said.
Enright, from Brewster, New York, pleaded guilty to a charge of attempted murder as a hate crime and a charge of assault as a hate crime. He is due to be sentenced on June 25.
A defense attorney for Enright did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Earlier, Enright's defense had said he was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder following a trip to Afghanistan.
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Every Pakistani and particularly Muslims should think twice before commenting here . They should realize what they have done to their countries , specially towards their minorities before pointing fingers . Saudi , the flag bearer and Other islamic countries doesn't allow non-muslims to preach their religion , but very same people go to Western democracies and shout "Sharia for UK". Fact is USA has taught us How the modern countries should be towards their citizens and How the countries should follow their self-interests realigning their political and foreign ties . But here in Islamic countries , one country erupts into chaos when in another country , non-muslims commit something against muslims , without giving it a thought . Love for so called Ummah remain there always in air , as if they have bonding of soul . But very same people don't stand up when their own communities kill each other . What this community needs is to grow up and to have pinch of patriotic ion along with iodine salt every day.Otherwise you will always be there at same point and others will come from your behind and will leave you behind.
the difference being that in the usa at least the attacker will be prosecuted by the law... in Pakistan, murderers get away every day and are given garlands of roses.
and when will Pakistanis plead guilty to torturing minorities and persecuting them? we should be ashamed of the way we treat our own people
Probably he is an Ahmediya and not safe in Bangladesh otherwise he would have left the US.
@RAW is WAR:
And that is on top of the recent news headlines in this paper on targeted attacks on Pakistani Ahmedi and Shia Muslims, whose killers either not be caught, or be caught, released by the courts and then be seen at a local political fund raiser.
The United States of America is a country governed by rule of law. If a crime is committed, the criminal is prosecuted and if found guilty he/she is sentenced according to the law. This was a hate crime and the criminal was persecuted, found guilty, and will be sentenced on June 24.
We must realize that every society have its nut cases and bigots. We deal with ours with our laws. Mr. Sharif got justice and he continues to be a productive citizen of his community in New York.
Abdul Quddus DET-United States Central Command
christian extremism at its peak
@Concerned, Boston bombings!!! did you pay attention to the news? this happened in August 2010.
I think this guy is also a victim of Islamic terrorism , may be 26/11 or boston bombing . That fool guy should understand that all most all terrorists are muslims , but not vice-versa.
I don't think it is right to live in the land that is not ruled by muslims. This is what happens. Remember it is strictly harram to live in the land of non-muslims.
@ chappati
this Muslim driver was working in USA and he got justice. How many Hindus and Christians who face worse attacks in Pakistan can even expect any justice?
GOD!!! save us Muslims from these terrorists!!!
Well if a Muslim commits such an act, he's a terrorist. If it is done by a black, he is a thug. Done by a caucasian, he is mentally ill. Get used to it lads.
My name is Enright and I'm not a terrorist
He was not a terrorist!
@chappati:"Aaah these “developed countries”.why does USA try to be a beacon in the world for human rights?" . This explains exactly why, a majority community person will be given a long sentence for hurting a poor member of a foreign minority.
Why is the guy not declared a terrorist by the American Media now ?
Aaah these "developed countries".why does USA try to be a beacon in the world for human rights?