INDIANAPOLIS, IN – A woman is now in police custody following an incident where she allegedly rammed her car into a building, believing it to be a Jewish school. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) is currently investigating the case as a possible act of hate crime.
The building, used by the Israelite School of Universal and Practical Knowledge, was struck around 11:30 p.m. last Friday. Upon arrival at the scene, police found 34-year-old Ruba Almaghtheh, who had backed her vehicle into the building while it was occupied by several adults and children.
Almaghtheh, who has been labeled as a “terrorist” by the police, reportedly told them that she had been watching news coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict and was disturbed by the “Hebrew Israelite” symbol on the building, which led to her decision to attack.
She admitted to the police that she intentionally crashed her car into the building and made references to her Palestinian roots. The Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council has released a statement on the incident, stating that they are working hand in hand with law enforcement on this case.
While a Jewish facility was not the actual target, the Council emphasized the importance of maintaining security protocols and vigilance against suspicious activities. The IMPD has also engaged the local FBI to assist in the ongoing investigation.