Brooklyn, New York – Police reported that a terrifying incident occurred outside an Orthodox Jewish school in Brooklyn on Wednesday when a motorist intentionally drove onto the sidewalk in an attempt to harm people. The driver, identified as Ali Asghar, allegedly shouted antisemitic remarks from his car as he steered towards pedestrians near East 56th Street and Glenwood Road around 11:25 a.m.
Surveillance footage captured the alarming scene of two individuals, donning traditional Jewish attire, hastily fleeing from the oncoming vehicle. Asghar, 58, was swiftly taken into custody and charged with a series of crimes, including second-degree attempted murder as a hate crime.
Chaim Moskowitz, a 17-year-old student at Mesivta Nachlas Yakov School, recounted his fear when he saw the car heading towards him, emphasizing the importance of staying vigilant in the face of potential threats. Moskowitz expressed gratitude towards law enforcement for their rapid response in apprehending the suspect, acknowledging the ongoing concerns for safety within his community.
City Council Member Farah Louis condemned the incident as an “act of bigotry and violence,” emphasizing the need to address the increasing incidences of antisemitism to prevent such hateful acts from recurring. The school, however, was unavailable for immediate comment on the matter.
This unsettling event comes on the heels of another reported hate crime in the area, where a 12-year-old allegedly assaulted two Hasidic Jewish boys just a few miles away. The young perpetrator has also been arrested and charged with hate crimes, underscoring the pressing need to combat discriminatory behaviors within the community.
As authorities continue to investigate the motives behind these acts of violence, the residents of Brooklyn grapple with the alarming rise in antisemitic incidents, prompting calls for unity and heightened vigilance in safeguarding against bigotry and hatred.