{"id":145481,"date":"2026-02-26T00:46:30","date_gmt":"2026-02-26T00:46:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/145481\/"},"modified":"2026-02-26T00:46:30","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T00:46:30","slug":"man-40-convicted-of-racist-attacks-and-stalking-in-manhattan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/145481\/","title":{"rendered":"Man, 40, convicted of racist attacks and stalking in Manhattan"},"content":{"rendered":"

A political gadfly accused in a series of racist attacks, including punching TikTok influencer Halley Kate McGookin<\/a> in the face, and for stalking a Jewish couple in Manhattan has been found guilty by a judge, according to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.<\/p>\n

Skiboky Stora, 40, who has mounted numerous failed campaigns to become mayor and governor, running as a fringe candidate, was found guilty Wednesday by Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Josh Hanshaft of assault, stalking, aggravated harassment and attempted assault, all as hate crimes.<\/p>\n

Stora was charged May 28, 2024, on a five-count indictment for four separate attacks, all variously inspired by his racism against white people, hatred of women and antisemitism, Bragg said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe victims were met with both violence and harassment simply because of who they are,\u201d said Bragg. \u201cHate crimes strike at the core of our city\u2019s values and sense of safety.\u201d<\/p>\n

Stora attacked the social media influencer as she walked near W. 16th St. and Seventh Ave. in Chelsea on March 25, 2024, prosecutors said.<\/p>\n

McGookin rushed to post a TikTok video immediately following the assault, showing a lump on the left side of her forehead as she filmed herself walking down the street.<\/p>\n

\"KateKate McGookin shares her experience being randomly assaulted on TikTok. (TikTok)<\/p>\n

\u201cI was literally just walking and a man came up and punched me in the face,\u201d McGookin said in the video. \u201cOh my God, it hurts so bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

Stora was arrested two days later and went on a wild tirade when appearing before a Manhattan judge at his arraignment<\/a>, during which he repeatedly interrupted prosecutors while ranting about white supremacy.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy rights are being violated. Can I ask a question?\u201d Stora said at his arraignment before Judge Pamela Goldsmith. \u201cI just want to speak. I have a right to ask the judge a question. Do I have that right?<\/p>\n

\u201cNow they bring me here and say they have video footage of me punching somebody that I never met and have never seen. That\u2019s denying me due process, and the same officer is a white supremacist member who has arrested me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Prior to attacking the influencer, Stora terrified a Jewish couple out walking their dogs<\/a> as he followed them through Chelsea, screaming \u201cDie, Jews, die!\u201d after they snapped pictures of him tearing down flyers of kidnapped Israeli hostages on E. 15th St. at Fifth Ave. on Nov. 18, 2023, Bragg said.<\/p>\n

On Oct. 26, 2023, Stora elbowed a 37-year-old fair-skinned woman as she strolled past him near W. 17th St. and Eighth Ave, prosecutors said.<\/p>\n

The earliest attack featured in the indictment occurred on Sept. 20, 2023, when Stora elbowed a 17-year-old white student at W. 17th St. and Eighth Ave., while shouting, \u201cYou people think you can do whatever the f\u2014 you want.\u201d<\/p>\n

Stora is due to be sentenced on April 14.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t