#Woman attacked on way to anti-Asian violence rally in NYC

A woman on her way to an anti-Asian violence protest over the weekend was punched twice in the face by a brute in NoHo, police said Monday.

The 37-year-old victim was on Astor Place near Fourth Avenue on her way to the demonstration around 11:30 a.m. Sunday when a stranger approached her and asked, “Can I have your sign?” cops said. 

She told him he could have it, asking what he was going to do, according to police. 

He attempted to put the sign in a garbage can, but then placed it on the ground and stomped on it instead, cops said. 

When the victim asked why he did that, he allegedly punched her in the face twice. 

Then he bolted into the 6 train station at Astor Place, cops said. 

The victim suffered a cut and bruising on her lip and a sprained ankle as she tried to chase her attacker. She was taken to Lenox Hill Healthplex Hospital for her injuries.

Police describe the suspect as 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, with a medium complexion, slim build and black hair. 

He was last seen wearing a red Chicago Bulls hoodie, blue jeans, a black baseball hat, a black face mask, black sneakers and carrying a green backpack.

The NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task force is investigating.

The incident comes amid a surge in attacks against people of Asian descent across the Big Apple and elsewhere.