NYPD arrests MAGA hat-wearing YouTuber after he ‘hurled a slur’ at Black woman | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload ourSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleOwen ScottThursday 26 February 2026 20:30 GMTA man in a MAGA hat allegedly tried to set a woman's shoes on fire, after hurling the N-word at her (NYPD Crime Stoppers)Two men, Michael James and Michael Santiago, have been arrested in New York City following an incident involving racial abuse and attempted arson.James, who was wearing a MAGA hat, allegedly hurled the n-word and made sexually suggestive comments towards a 54-year-old Black woman.During the confrontation, James reportedly attempted to set the woman's shoe on fire with a lighter, causing a small flame before it extinguished.The incident, which took place on Feb. 19 in the Chelsea neighborhood, was recorded by Santiago and subsequently went viral on social media.Both men face multiple charges, including assault and criminal mischief, which are classified as hate crimes, alongside aggravated harassment, menacing, arson, and criminal tampering.In fullMAGA hat-wearing YouTuber hurled N-word at woman and attempted to set her on fire, NYPD saysThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in