Lakeview Man Accused of Attempting to Set Fire to West Hempstead Synagogue

Azzm Khan, Nassau County Police Department | Jihad Watch

A 29-year-old man from Lakeview, identified as Azzm Khan, has been accused of attempting to set fire to the Young Israel of West Hempstead synagogue in New York and damaging a police auxiliary vehicle, according to Nassau County police.

Police initially responded to a report of criminal mischief involving a Nassau County Police Department auxiliary vehicle at Hall’s Pond Park on Hempstead Avenue in West Hempstead. A witness reported seeing a man break the vehicle’s side mirror and contacted 911.

While officers searched for the suspect, another report alerted authorities to a person allegedly setting a fire nearby. Officers subsequently arrived at Young Israel of West Hempstead, located at 630 Hempstead Avenue, where they discovered a bush actively burning and identified Khan as the suspect.

According to investigators, Khan allegedly took a lawn sign from the area, set it on fire and attempted to push it underneath the synagogue’s door. When that attempt failed, he reportedly placed the burning sign in a bush, causing it to catch fire. Police further alleged that he repeatedly kicked the synagogue’s entrance door, damaging it in the process.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident, and the motive behind the alleged actions has not yet been established. Any claims about the reasons for the incident remain speculative until investigators provide further information.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)