Hate Crimes
Grafton Thomas also mentioned to the U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul Davison that he has taken anti-depressant and anti-psychotic medication while in prison, where he is being held without bond.
That attacks in Jersey City and Monsey, said Greg Kierce, director of the Jersey City Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, “show how critical the need is here.”
The new charges against Grafton Thomas, 37, include willfully causing bodily injury to five victims due to their religion and five counts of obstructing the free exercise of religion in an attempt to kill.
Recent hate crimes and domestic terrorism have put Americans’ freedom “under significant stress,” according to a DHS advisory panel.
The Israeli solidarity event was initiated to send a clear message of support to American Jews, particularly following the most recent attacks in Monsey, N.Y., and Jersey City, N.J.
“I’ve marched for everyone else in the past two years, and now it’s time to be there for my people,” said Mindy Brittner. “It’s all interrelated.”
Eligible recipients will each get $50,000 for cameras, security training, door-hardening and other security enhancements.
The suspects gave the victim, Zachary Hershkovich, 15, his belongings back before exiting the bus.
Jasmine Lucas, 24, was charged in Brooklyn criminal court on Thursday with second-degree robbery as a hate crime and second-degree assault, along with other counts.
Grants of up to $100,000 each to nonprofits at risk of terrorist attacks can go towards improving building security by acquiring and installing items ranging from fences, lighting and video surveillance to metal detectors and blast-resistant doors, locks and windows.
“Grafton Thomas targeted his victims in the midst of a religious ceremony, transforming a joyous Hanukkah celebration into a scene of carnage and pain,” said U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman for the Southern District of New York.
Images of the Star of David and messages apparently blaming the Jews for the Sept. 11 terror attacks were found on various buildings, including South Hampstead Synagogue.
