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Manhattan Man Convicted in Hate-Motivated Street Attacks
Skiboky Stora found guilty of assault, stalking and harassment as hate crimes against victims in Chelsea and Union Square
Published on Feb. 26, 2026
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A Manhattan judge has convicted 40-year-old Skiboky Stora of a series of hate-motivated street attacks and stalking offenses in the Chelsea and Union Square neighborhoods. Prosecutors argued that Stora targeted victims based on their perceived gender, race or religion, with incidents stretching back to fall 2023. Stora is scheduled to be sentenced on April 14, 2026.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing challenge of addressing hate-motivated crimes in urban areas, as well as the role social media can play in bringing attention to such incidents. Prosecutors' use of bias-motivated statutes to hold Stora accountable has been welcomed by victims' advocates, though civil liberties groups continue to emphasize the need for careful application of hate crime laws.
The details
According to prosecutors, Stora's behavior included a March 25, 2024 incident where he struck TikTok influencer Halley Kate McGookin, leaving her with a head injury. Other incidents involved a 17-year-old who was elbowed on Sept. 20, 2023, and a 37-year-old who was shoved in Chelsea on Oct. 26, 2023. Stora also allegedly tore down posters of kidnapped Israeli hostages and shouted antisemitic slurs near Union Square on Nov. 18, 2023. Prosecutors argued these incidents showed an escalating pattern that justified hate crime enhancements.
- On March 25, 2024, Stora allegedly struck TikTok influencer Halley Kate McGookin, leaving her with a head injury.
- On September 20, 2023, Stora allegedly elbowed a 17-year-old.
- On October 26, 2023, Stora allegedly shoved a 37-year-old in Chelsea.
- On November 18, 2023, Stora allegedly tore down posters of kidnapped Israeli hostages and shouted antisemitic slurs near Union Square.
The players
Skiboky Stora
A 40-year-old Brooklyn resident who has mounted fringe campaigns for local office and was convicted of assault, stalking and harassment as hate crimes.
Halley Kate McGookin
A TikTok influencer who testified that she still has sensitivity from being struck by Stora in March 2024, and whose video of the incident helped prompt other victims to come forward.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)
What’s next
Stora is scheduled to be sentenced on April 14, 2026.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing challenge of addressing hate-motivated crimes in urban areas, as well as the role social media can play in bringing attention to such incidents. Prosecutors' use of bias-motivated statutes to hold Stora accountable has been welcomed by victims' advocates, though civil liberties groups continue to emphasize the need for careful application of hate crime laws.
