Nafiah Ikram, a Hofstra student, was attacked with acid in front of her Elmont home on March 17, 2021. A year later, police have not found the perpetrator.
Ikram, her family, and local leaders gathered on Thursday, one year after the attack, to strengthen calls for justice. The Nassau County Police Department and FBI are offering $40,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction of her attacker.
“Nafiah is such an example for me of someone who has prevailed in a very difficult situation, and I respect her highly. She is the most beautiful person I know,” said Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages (D-Lawrence), who held the news conference. “I am asking for the perpetrator who committed this heinous act to turn yourself in. I truly believe that what is done in the darkness will come to light. You have put a tremendous amount of pain in the lives of this family, and I am asking anybody who knows anything about this to do the right thing and help us achieve justice for Nafiah and her family.”
The assault occurred on a Wednesday evening as Ikram and her mother were walking up the driveway toward their Elmont home. The attacker approached Ikram from behind holding a white colored cup containing a dark colored substance, which he threw in her face. Police say the suspect was described as about 6’2” tall, skinny build, wearing a black colored, hooded sweatshirt wearing gloves and fled eastbound on Arlington Avenue in a 2013-15 Nissan Altima.
As a result of the attack, Ikram has lost sight in her right eye. She suffered burns to her face, eyes, chest, arms and lungs and was hospitalized for several weeks. She is still undergoing surgeries for her injuries.
“It’s been very physically painful and mentally exhausting,” Ikram told reporters. “I was having nightmares up until this morning. I woke up continuously … It’s been very tiring. I’m only human, though.”
Anyone with information on Ikram’s attack is urged to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS (8477) or the FBI at tips.fbi.gov or 1-800-225-5325 (1-800-CALL-FBI).
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