New York man accused of threatening to shoot yeshiva camp for unmasked children

A New York man is accused of threatening to shoot people at a camp for Jewish children for failing to socialize or wear masks, authorities have said.

Nicola Pelle, 58, from Inwood, Long Island, faces charges of terrorist threat and alleged weapons violations.

Pelle reportedly called Nassau County police on Monday to report a social distancing violation to Yeshiva Ketana of the Long Island Children’s Camp, according to a police statement. During the call, Pelle said there were 500 children playing in a yard who were not wearing masks or social distancing.

“While the police were on their way to the accused, Nicola Pelle called again and threatened to take a weapon and shoot people there if the police did not go there,” the statement said.

“If I have to go out there with a scary machine gun and shoot all these people, I will,” Pelle said on the call, according to Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder, NBC New reported. York.

When police arrived, Pelle identified himself as the appellant and he was arrested without incident, police said.

Investigators discovered that Pelle was in possession of a valid county pistol license and possessed five handguns, as well as rifles and shotguns, which included two assault weapons. NBC New York reported that a total of 14 guns were seized from Pelle, including a Bushmaster rifle.

Pelle was indicted Tuesday on charges of terrorist threat, four counts of criminal possession of a weapon and two counts of criminal possession of a firearm. He was then released on bail, according to NBC New York, which reported that emergency medical responders were seen at his home shortly after.

The station said Rabbi Ari Ginian, who heads Yeshiva Ketana, said Pelle had lived next door to the camp for years and his reaction was “very unusual.”

“He may have been frustrated with part of the situation we’re in. There is compulsion right now from everyone. We think for him that he has made it to this. point, ”Ginian said. The school did not immediately respond to NBC News’ request for comment.

Phone calls to the numbers listed for Pelle went unanswered Tuesday morning. He is expected to appear in court in October.