London Police Seek Information Regarding Racially Aggravated Incident at Bond Street Station

British police are appealing for information to identify two individuals following a racially aggravated assault that occurred at the Bond Street Underground station in central London on October 11.

According to a statement released by the British Transport Police, a woman was subjected to racial abuse and physical assault while entering the station with her sister and two young children. The incident began when a man and woman walking ahead of the family collided with the pushchair carrying one of the children. The man allegedly began shouting racial abuse, and the woman grabbed the victim’s hair. Police state the man then brandished a small bottle, claiming it contained pepper spray, and discharged it towards the victim and her family before both individuals left the area. The use of pepper spray is illegal in the United Kingdom.

Authorities have identified the individuals they wish to question as Melissa Rein Lively, a self-described “anti-woke” influencer and head of America First PR, and her partner, Philipp Ostermann, a German businessman in private equity. Rein Lively previously gained notoriety for a viral video in 2020 showing her destroying a mask display at a Target store in Scottsdale, Arizona, and has since publicly denounced her prior involvement with the QAnon movement. Ostermann was scheduled to speak at a private equity conference in London yesterday, but is no longer listed on the event schedule, and his professional profiles have been removed from his company’s website and LinkedIn. This incident highlights growing concerns about the export of politically charged rhetoric and potential for conflict abroad.

Police are asking anyone with information to come forward to assist with their investigation. Authorities stated, “Officers believe the man and woman in the image could have information that may assist their enquiries.”