A 29-year-old New York resident, identified as Nicholus Smith, was taken into custody Friday morning after police received a report that he had threatened a man outside Westville Synagogue in New Haven, CT.
According to authorities, the incident unfolded just before 8:30 a.m. when the victim, who had just exited the synagogue, was approached by Smith. The suspect allegedly menacingly asked, “What if I throw this hot coffee in your face…I used to beat your kind in New York,” while also using derogatory language aimed at the victim’s Jewish faith.
The confrontation quickly escalated when Smith reportedly lunged at the victim. Fearing for his safety, the victim retreated inside the synagogue and promptly called the police.
Officers canvassed the area and located Smith nearby. He was subsequently arrested and charged with third-degree intimidation based on bigotry/bias and second-degree breach of peace. Smith is currently being held on a $10,000 bond.
New Haven Police Department spokesperson Officer Christian Bruckhart stated, “We take any hate crime threat very seriously. The language and actions displayed in this incident are entirely unacceptable, and we are committed to ensuring the safety of our community.”
Local community leaders have condemned the threat, emphasizing that such actions have no place in New Haven. The incident has sparked renewed calls for vigilance in protecting religious institutions and promoting community safety.