A man accused of attacking costume designer Megan Berg in a violent incident in Soho has a history of criminal behavior, including an attempt to harm his younger brother over two decades ago. The individual, Muslim Brunson, was previously involved in a serious criminal incident in Baltimore, Maryland, where he attempted to set his family’s home on fire while his brother was inside.
In 2002, authorities reported that Brunson, then 23, was discovered in an agitated state as he was arrested for setting fire to a couch on which his brother was sleeping and igniting two upstairs bedrooms. His brother, Dawud Brunson, informed police that he narrowly escaped the flames, and Brunson was subsequently charged with attempted murder and arson, leading to his commitment to a psychiatric institution.
Two decades later, Brunson again finds himself in legal trouble following an unprovoked attack on Megan Berg. On April 7, Brunson allegedly used a broken bottle to slash Berg’s neck during an encounter in Soho. The attack left Berg with severe injuries, necessitating emergency surgery and numerous stitches. Prosecutors have charged Brunson with attempted murder, assault, and attempted assault.
Prior to the attack, Brunson reportedly threw a bottle at another woman before focusing his aggression on Berg. He was apprehended shortly after the incident, wearing a hoodie bearing the NYPD logo. Authorities have documented Brunson’s criminal history, which includes multiple arrests since 2019 for robbery and assault. Notably, he was convicted of robbing a teenager and assaulting an NYPD civilian employee in separate incidents.
Brunson’s past interactions with law enforcement include multiple responses to calls concerning his mental health, highlighting his ongoing struggles with mental illness. He now faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted of the recent attack on Berg. While he awaits trial, a judge has mandated a psychiatric examination.
The attack in Soho has renewed discussions about mental health care and public safety in New York City. Mayor Eric Adams expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing the need for systemic improvements in addressing severe mental illness. He advocated for expanded measures to involuntarily commit individuals who are unable to care for themselves, aiming to prevent future acts of senseless violence.
