Man charged years after acid attack that severely injured Hofstra student

Terrell Campbell accused of throwing acid in Nafiah Ikram's face in 2021 attack

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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An arrest has been made years after a Hofstra student was attacked with acid in Nassau County, New York. In March 2021, a hooded attacker ran up behind 21-year-old Nafiah Ikram in her own driveway, threw acid in her face, and then drove away. Ikram suffered severe injuries and still struggles with poor vision and scarring. On Tuesday, 29-year-old Terrell Campbell was charged with assault, criminal possession of a weapon, and unlawfully possessing noxious material. He pleaded not guilty during his initial arraignment and was held without bail.

Why it matters

This case highlights the long-lasting trauma and impact of violent crimes like acid attacks, which can leave victims with severe physical and emotional scars. It also raises questions about the challenges in investigating and solving such cases, especially years after the initial incident.

The details

Prosecutors say Campbell, a flower delivery worker and aspiring rapper living in Brooklyn, was identified with the help of a tipster and linked to a red Nissan Altima near the scene. They also found searches on his internet history asking how to remove sulfuric acid from his car's fabric shortly after the 2021 attack. Two years later, he allegedly produced and uploaded a music video boasting about throwing acid in a woman's face.

  • On March 17, 2021, the attack occurred in Elmont, New York.
  • On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, Campbell was charged and arraigned.

The players

Nafiah Ikram

A Hofstra student who was 21 years old at the time of the 2021 acid attack, leaving her with severe injuries and ongoing struggles with poor vision and scarring.

Terrell Campbell

A 29-year-old flower delivery worker and aspiring rapper from Brooklyn who was charged with the 2021 acid attack on Nafiah Ikram.

Anne Donnelly

The Nassau County District Attorney who announced the charges against Terrell Campbell.

Patrick Ryder

The Nassau County Police Commissioner who did not discuss the tip that identified the suspect but said someone will get the $50,000 reward.

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What they’re saying

“We reviewed Campbell's Internet search history in the minutes minutes following the 2021 attack, we found searches asking, 'how do I remove sulfuric acid from my car's fabric?'”

— Anne Donnelly, Nassau County District Attorney (abc7chicago.com)

“I'm glad in the sense that even though this is the beginning of a different chapter in my life, I'm glad that I've closed the chapter on the uncertainty and the safety and looking over my shoulder.”

— Nafiah Ikram (abc7chicago.com)

“At the end of it, something still doesn't make sense.”

— Nafiah Ikram (abc7chicago.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Terrell Campbell out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the long-lasting trauma and impact of violent crimes like acid attacks, which can leave victims with severe physical and emotional scars. It also raises questions about the challenges in investigating and solving such cases, especially years after the initial incident.