Arrest after the discovery of hate-motivated graffiti in the Brooklyn Synagogue

PROSPECT HEIGHTS, Brooklyn (WABC) –

Police made an arrest after disturbing hate messages were discovered on Thursday night in the Brooklyn Synagogue, the latest in a series of anti-Semitic incidents across the country.

James Polite, 26, is charged with four counts of hate crime and graffiti.

The authorities said that Polite had been sent to Woodhull Hospital for psychiatric observation.

He is also charged with a series of criminal fires in Williamsburg, including one in a yeshiva and the other in a Jewish banquet hall.

The graffiti inside the Union Temple on Eastern Parkway at Prospect Heights indicate "Kill all Jews" and "Hitler", as well as other horribly offensive terms.

Police said that part was written in black marker inside a stairwell, and vandalism forced the cancellation of a political event because people felt threatened.

As a result, a "Get out the Vote" event organized by Broad City actress Globe Liana was canceled.

"What was scary was that everything was in the building and that the cops were sort of searching the building," Glazer said. "It was too weird, it was too weird to hold it."

Glazer was about to hold a political forum with state candidates Andrew Gounardes, Jim Gaughran and journalist Amy Goodman when the difficult but necessary decision was made.

"We have a seat, we will not present any immediate danger, but hate and anti-Semitic words have been scribbled today, very recently in the last two hours," Glazer said. to feel safe."

Mayor Bill de Blasio said that graffiti was the most vile form of hatred and that the NYPD would find the perpetrators and hold them accountable.

"It deeply disturbs all New Yorkers and is something we do not accept in this city," he said.

Governor Andrew Cuomo assigned the Hate Crimes Task Force to investigate and released the following statement:

"I'm disgusted by the discovery of antisemitic graffiti in a place of worship in Brooklyn." At a time when the country is still in shock at the attack at Pittsburgh's Tree of Life synagogue, New Yorkers have united to the Jewish community against all forms of hate In New York, we do not tolerate any discrimination in our laws or in our minds, I have assigned the State Task Force on Motivated Crimes. hatred to investigate this heinous act and to hold those responsible accountable throughout the country. As governor, I also do everything in my power to ensure that our religious institutions are safe from violence and intolerance.We announced this week the launch of a new $ 10 million grant program to help protect non-public schools and cultural institutions from # 39 New York State Disgusting rhetoric and odious violence in this country have reached their peak and are tearing the fabric of America, and it must stop. The community is forged by community agreements and we will always oppose hatred and discrimination. "

The NYPD said half of the hate crimes committed in the city were directed against Jews and that the number of incidents has increased this year.

"This individual went to the institution, an institution where people will pray and worship, and scribbled down pretty, degrading and hateful messages," said the chief detective of the New York Police Department. Dermot Shea.

Earlier this week, Eyewitness News published a report on swastikas and the word N drawn on brown stones from Garden Place.

Jewish leaders are calling on people of all faiths to join them in attending Shabbat services to help the victims of Pittsburgh.

It was the worst attack against the Jewish people in American history.

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