An armed attack attempt on a Jewish synagogue located in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, USA, has been foiled.
According to information released by the Movement to Combat Antisemitism, the incident took place on July 1. A man armed with a knife and a baseball bat entered the building where the synagogue is located. Initial reports indicate that the attacker, who is not Jewish, wore a kipa — the traditional Jewish head covering — in order to avoid drawing attention and to conceal his intentions.
Worshippers who were inside the synagogue at the time responded swiftly and neutralised the attacker. They disarmed the suspect, removed him from the building, and kept him under control until police officers arrived at the scene.
New York Police Department officers who arrived at the scene detained and arrested the suspect.
Law enforcement authorities are currently investigating the detained individual's motives. As part of the investigation, it is also being examined whether the incident constitutes a hate crime or was motivated by antisemitism.