A 22-year-old man from New York City is facing a hate crime charge after allegedly yelling 'Free Palestine!' before stabbing an individual outside a synagogue in Brooklyn over the weekend. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. near the Chabad Lubavitch movement’s world headquarters in Brooklyn’s Crown Heights neighborhood.
According to the New York City Police Department, the victim, a 33-year-old individual, was slashed in the torso following a verbal dispute with the suspect, who uttered the phrase 'Free Palestine.' The victim was taken to a local hospital in stable condition, while the suspect, Vincent Sumpter, was arrested and charged with assault as a hate crime and assault causing serious physical injury.
Rabbi Yaacov Behrman, a spokesman for the Chabad Lubavitch movement, confirmed that the victim was Jewish and expressed concern over the incident, citing the prevalence of antisemitic rhetoric.
Surveillance footage from the scene captured the altercation, showing the suspect lunging at two individuals after making inflammatory remarks. Witnesses reported that the victim and his friends had just finished a Friday night Shabbat meal when the stabbing occurred.
The victim's friend recounted the events, stating that the suspect threatened them before stabbing the victim in the stomach. Community members intervened and apprehended the suspect until law enforcement arrived.
The victim, who suffered internal bleeding but survived, described the incident as a 'miracle.' Mark Treyger, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, condemned the attack as a dangerous escalation and emphasized the need for unity against such acts of violence.
This incident underscores the importance of addressing hate crimes and fostering a climate of tolerance and respect within communities. Authorities are continuing to investigate the motive behind the attack and ensure justice for the victim.
