Attempted to set fire to a synagogue in New York - police have not determined it was an antisemitic incident
Nassau County police arrested a 29-year-old suspect for attempting to set fire to a synagogue on Long Island. The suspect tried to push a burning sign under the door, ignited a bush, and damaged the door. No injuries were reported. Police have not yet determined an antisemitic motive.
Nassau County police in New York arrested Azam Khan, 29, of Lakeview, Long Island, on suspicion of attempting to set fire to the Young Israel of West Hempstead synagogue. According to police, Khan ignited a sign taken from a nearby yard and tried to push it, while burning, under the synagogue's front door. After failing, he threw the sign into a nearby bush, which caught fire, and later kicked the synagogue door, causing damage. The incident occurred on Wednesday around 11:30 p.m. Officers arrived following a report of vandalism to a police volunteer unit vehicle in a nearby park. Khan was arrested without resistance and was later linked to the vehicle vandalism. He was charged with criminal mischief and arson. The synagogue's vice president, Israel Spiegel, said the community is disturbed by the incident. Police have not determined it was an antisemitic incident, and no hate crime charges have been filed. The investigation continues.