A man with a scarf covering his face burst into a Hanukkah celebration at a rabbi’s home in Monsey, New York, on Saturday night and stabbed five people with a machete, according to police.
Ramapo Police Chief Brad Weidel said the man knocked on the door of Rabbi Chaim’s home on the seventh night of Hanukkah just as the candle was being lit. A man who answered the door told police the attacker rushed past him, pulled out a machete and began stabbing people. Several eyewitnesses said he chased guests who were trying to flee toward a nearby synagogue, and that he left after several people threw chairs and a table at him.
Law enforcement sources identified the suspect as Grafton, 37. Police say he was arrested in Harlem after officers tracked him down through his license plate number. He was turned over to state police and is expected to face five counts of attempted murder. Charges are allegations, and he is presumed innocent.
New York’s governor called the stabbings a “cowardly act” and directed the State Police Hate Crimes Task Force to investigate. The attack follows several reported antisemitic incidents in the New York area last week, which have raised fears in the community.
Made to order and shipped to your door.
