Suspect Arrested in NJ Synagogue Fire-Bombings; Held on $5 Million Bail
The man purported to have fire-bombed synagogues throughout New Jersey has finally been found and arrested.
Anthony M. Graziano of Lodi, New Jersey, was detained for the arson of a Rutherford synagogue, the Temple K'Hal Adath Jeshrun in Paramus, and the attempted murder of Rabbi Neil Schuman. The spree of hate crimes all happened during January of this year.
For the crimes, Graziano has been charged with nine counts of attempted murder, bias intimidation, arson, and aggravated arson, according to The Associated Press.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
The 19-year-old recent high school graduate is currently being held with a $5 million dollar bail, and the lack of a 10 percent option makes it unlikely for him to be released. It is also unknown if he has consulted legal counsel.
The Bergen County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit had received some assistance in catching the suspect; after releasing a video of the one purported to have committed the crimes, it wasn't long before tips led authorities to Graziano's home.
His motive is currently unknown.
The American Jewish Committee, a Jewish advocacy organization, was convinced that the attacks were because of racist tendencies on the part of the suspect.
"We have no doubt that the arson and attempted murder in Rutherford were a direct result of Mr. Graziano's hatred of people of the Jewish faith," said AJC New Jersey Director John Rosen in a statement.
Schuman- the Rabbi whose second-floor apartment was destroyed when Graziano allegedly threw Molotov cocktails through the window- was relieved that the arrest was made. His family was sleeping during the time of the attack, and they could have easily lost their lives.
"We're still a little scared because obviously this guy's not normal. Maybe this will restore life back to some normality, though we will still be doing outreach to try and restore unity," Schuman told AP.
Leading up to the attacks, anti-Semitic graffiti had been spray-painted on the walls of some New Jersey neighborhoods, and a Swastika was found as well, although police do not know if the incidents are connected.
For Rosen and the AJC, the arrest only speaks to a deeper hatred and fear of religious freedom and the Jewish faith.
"While Mr. Graziano, who apparently acted alone, has been taken off the streets, these attacks are a sober reminder that the Jewish community, with the support of others, must always remain vigilant against those who carry in their hearts and souls deep hatred," said Rosen.
Despite the wealth of evidence against him, Graziano has pled not guilty.
