New York synagogues vandalized in 'brazen' attacks, surveillance video released

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(NEW YORK) -- Authorities in New York City are looking for the suspect who vandalized four Jewish synagogues in what the Anti-Defamation League is calling a "brazen series of attacks."

Police released surveillance video of one attack, which took place on Saturday at about 10:45 p.m. The suspect threw rocks at the windows of the Young Israel of Riverdale Synagogue in the Bronx, shattering the glass, the New York Police Department said.

The video showed the man repeatedly throwing objects and then kicking in the glass at a section where it hadn't shattered.

Three other synagogues, all in Riverdale, were also targeted, and had broken windows due to thrown rocks, police said.

All synagogues in the Riverdale neighborhood have increased security, reported ABC New York station WABC.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted Sunday that the NYPD's hate crime task force "has a solid lead on the vile acts of anti-Semitism."

The mayor vowed to "take swift action against the perpetrators," adding, "if you have any more information on this case, contact the NYPD right away."

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. added on Twitter, "Hate has no place in our community, borough and city. The heinous, anti-Semitic attacks we saw at 4 places of worship in The Bronx will not be tolerated."

Scott Richman, direct of the New York/New Jersey Anti-Defamation League, tweeted, "This brazen series of attacks on the Jewish community in #Riverdale over the past few nights is truly shocking. We are in touch with law enforcement who is now out in force and is taking this extremely seriously."

Monday, April 26, 2021 at 10:26AM by Emily Shapiro, ABC News Permalink