Man Charged With Hate Crimes in Synagogue Attack

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who grew up attending Central Synagogue, said she spoke with the congregation's rabbi. "I understand the sanctity of this space and its meaning for congregants. Central Synagogue is where I grew up," Tisch said. "In joy and in sorrow, it has always been a place of comfort and peace. What happened there tonight is deeply painful. A place of worship should never be a crime scene."

Tisch added that those hurt "were evaluated at the scene and are doing well," and that there are "no known additional threats at this time."

Gov. Kathy Hochul called the assault "appalling" and said she was grateful the suspect was in custody. "Jewish New Yorkers have every right to worship openly, proudly, and without fear," she wrote on X.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he was "horrified by the assault at Central Synagogue." He added: "Every New Yorker must be able to observe their religion without fear of violence. This despicable act has no place in our city, and our administration will do everything in our power to keep Jewish New Yorkers safe."

State Attorney General Letitia James said her "heart is with the Central Synagogue community this evening," calling the attack "appalling and unacceptable."

Mark Treyger, who heads the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, called the incident "reprehensible, particularly at a moment when antisemitism and threats against Jewish New Yorkers have reached alarming levels." He added: "Leaders have a responsibility to lower the temperature and reject rhetoric that makes targeting our neighbors seem permissible."