Father and Son Attacked in Broad Daylight in Crown Heights
(TJV NEWS) A Jewish father walking with his son on Shabbos afternoon was violently attacked in what appears to be an unprovoked assault near Union Street and Troy Avenue around 12:30 PM.
According to VIN News, Rabbi Yaacov Behrman reported that the assailant approached the victim from behind and attempted to cut off his ear with a pair of scissors. Surveillance footage captured the suspect reaching for the man’s right ear while gripping an object. The victim and another Jewish man fought off the attacker before managing to break free.
A man has stabbed Orthodox Jews near a synagogue in New York City pic.twitter.com/SBOP4JTasy
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) February 9, 2025
The suspect fled toward Eastern Parkway, discarding the weapon into a storm drain before being apprehended by police. Crown Heights Shmira volunteers quickly intervened, detaining the man until the NYPD arrived. Hatzalah treated one victim for minor injuries.
Despite the suspect seemingly targeting visibly Jewish individuals, authorities have stated that the attack is not being investigated as a hate crime. Rabbi Behrman noted that the attacker appeared mentally unstable and has since been hospitalized. He is expected to face felony charges.
“This incident highlights the ongoing mental health and crime crisis in New York State,” Behrman shared on social media. “It’s unacceptable for such things to happen in broad daylight on a busy street.”
Community leaders are urging heightened vigilance and encouraging local synagogues to install Shabbos emergency phones to enhance security.
