Police in New York City have arrested one person and are currently searching for two others after a group of anti-Israel protesters were seen burning American and Israeli flags outside the Israeli consulate in Manhattan. The arrested individual, Jahki Lodgson-McCray, 20, faces charges of reckless endangerment, menacing, disorderly conduct, and failing to use a sidewalk. The New York Police Department (NYPD) has confirmed these details to Fox News Digital.
The Israeli consulate in NYC took to social media to condemn the flag-burning incident, stating that it exemplifies the hatred towards Israel that often goes hand in hand with anti-American sentiments. In response to the incident, the NYPD has increased security measures around the consulate to ensure the safety of the community.
Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry of the NYPD referred to the suspects as “cowards” and assured the public that their criminal behavior will not be tolerated in the city. The NYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force is currently investigating the incident, noting that an “unknown accelerant” was used to burn the flags in a bike lane outside the consulate. This action posed a danger to both bikers and pedestrians in the area.
The flag-burning occurred amidst heightened tensions within the Jewish community due to ongoing pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel protests and acts of violence across New York and the country in light of the war in Gaza. Another individual, Zuhdi Ahmed, 20, has also been charged with a hate crime after allegedly hitting a man holding a Jewish flag with a rock at Columbia University in April.
In a separate incident, anti-Israel vandals threw red paint onto the homes of Jewish individuals working at the Brooklyn Museum. Mayor Eric Adams condemned the act as overt antisemitism, emphasizing that such actions will not be tolerated in New York City. He expressed his solidarity with the victims of the vandalism and assured that the NYPD is actively investigating the matter to bring the perpetrators to justice.
These recent events underscore the importance of addressing hate crimes and antisemitism in the city. The NYPD remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all communities and will continue to investigate and prosecute those responsible for such acts. The incidents serve as a reminder of the need for unity and mutual respect in a diverse city like New York.