A political gadfly accused in a series of racist attacks, including punching TikTok influencer Halley Kate McGookin in the face, and for stalking a Jewish couple in Manhattan has been found guilty by a judge, according to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
Skiboky Stora, 40, who has mounted numerous failed campaigns to become mayor and governor, running as a fringe candidate, was found guilty Wednesday by Supreme Court Judge Josh Hanshaft of assault, stalking, aggravated harassment and attempted assault, all as hate crimes.
Stora was charged May 28, 2024 on a five-count indictment for four separate attacks, all variously inspired by his racism against white people, hatred of women and antisemitism, Bragg said.
“The victims were met with both violence and harassment simply because of who they are,” said Bragg. “Hate crimes strike at the core of our city’s values and sense of safety.”
Stora attacked the social media influencer as she walked near W. 16th St. and Seventh Ave. in Chelsea on March 25, 2024, prosecutors said.
McGookin rushed to post a TikTok video immediately following the assault, showing a lump on the left side of her forehead as she filmed herself walking down the street.
“I was literally just walking and a man came up and punched me in the face,” McGookin said in the video. “Oh my God, it hurts so bad.”
Stora was arrested two days later and went on a wild tirade when appearing before a Manhattan judge at his arraignment, during which he repeatedly interrupted prosecutors while ranting about white supremacy.
“My rights are being violated. Can I ask a question?” Stora said at his arraignment before Judge Pamela Goldsmith. “I just want to speak. I have a right to ask the judge a question. Do I have that right?
“Now they bring me here and say they have video footage of me punching somebody that I never met and have never seen. That’s denying me due process, and the same officer is a white supremacist member who has arrested me.”
Prior to attacking the influencer, Stora terrified a Jewish couple out walking their dogs as he followed them through Chelsea, screaming “Die, Jews, die,” after they snapped pictures of him tearing down fliers of kidnapped Israeli hostages on E.15th St. at Fifth Ave. on Nov. 18, 2023, Bragg said.
On Oct. 26, 2023, Stora elbowed a 37-year-old fair-skinned woman as she strolled past him near W. 17th St. and Eighth Ave, prosecutors said.
The earliest attack featured in the indictment occurred on Sept. 20, 2023, when Stora elbowed a 17-year-old white student at W. 17th St. and Eighth Ave, while shouting, “You people think you can do whatever the f— you want.”
Stora is due to be sentenced on April 14.
