MONSEY, N.Y. (AP) — Authorities say five people were stabbed when a man attacked a Hanukkah celebration north of New York City.
The town of Ramapo's police chief says New York City police located a vehicle and possible suspected wanted in connection with the Saturday night stabbings in Monsey.
Public records show the attack took place at the home of a rabbi who leads an adjacent synagogue. Monsey is one of several Hudson Valley towns that has received an influx of Hasidic Jews.
Jewish communities in the New York City metropolitan region have been shaken by a string of recent attacks targeting Jews.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo directed the New York State Police Hate Crimes Task Force to immediately investigate and released this statement:
"I am horrified by the stabbing of multiple people at a synagogue in Rockland County tonight — the latest in a string of attacks against members of the Jewish community in New York this week. On behalf of the family of New York, my heart goes out to the victims and I am praying for their full recovery.
This was a despicable and cowardly act, and I am directing the State Police hate crimes task force to immediately investigate and to use every tool available to hold the attacker accountable to the fullest extent of the law. State Police are currently on the scene assisting local law enforcement.
Let me be clear: anti-Semitism and bigotry of any kind are repugnant to our values of inclusion and diversity and we have absolutely zero tolerance for such acts of hate. In New York we will always stand up and say with one voice to anyone who wishes to divide and spread fear: you do not represent New York and your actions will not go unpunished."
I am directing State Police to increase patrols and security in Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods across New York State.
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) December 29, 2019
Last night's attack in Monsey was an act of domestic terrorism that sought to incite hate and generate fear. We will not tolerate it. pic.twitter.com/skBor4FvgA
