ROCKVILLE, Md. — Joseph Amr Khairy Abdalla, 38, of Germantown, was arrested Thursday afternoon after police say he circled the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School’s parking lot carrying a pocketknife and shouting antisemitic slurs.
Montgomery County Police responded after off-duty school security officers reported the vehicle’s erratic driving and refusal to leave the premises shortly before 3 p.m. on June 12. Police say Abdalla struck traffic cones and attempted to flee when approached. A pocketknife fell from his person during the struggle.
Joseph Amr Khairy Abdalla is heard screaming “Jewish bitches” during his arrest.
— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) June 14, 2025
Joseph Amr Khairy Abdalla had a knife on him.
Joseph Amr Khairy Abdalla worked at a Jewish Day School. https://t.co/QCeFMxRQXE pic.twitter.com/ZHkNTE4gqr
Abdalla is charged with two counts of second-degree assault, failure to obey a lawful order, disorderly conduct, and obstruction. He was ordered held for a mental health evaluation after a Friday bail hearing.
Police Chief Marc Yamada stated there was no evidence Abdalla intended to harm school occupants. Two off-duty officers sustained minor injuries while subduing him; they declined medical transport.
Rabbi Mitchel Malkus, head of the school, praised the on-site officers. “Their swift actions ensured our students, faculty, and families remained safe,” he said. Malkus also condemned the antisemitic language Abdalla reportedly used.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich described the incident as “deeply disturbing” and noted its timing amid a surge in antisemitic violence across the country. He commended the on-site security presence as “an important investment that can save lives.”
Guila Franklin Siegel of the Jewish Community Relations Council echoed Elrich’s concern. She viewed the episode as a “reminder that Jewish families and institutions remain under near-constant threat” and urged continued funding for security.
Incidentally, Abdalla is the owner of Ornexa Fitness and coaches lower-school karate at the school, according to social media profiles.
This article is based on verified information from Montgomery County Police, statements from the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School and local officials, and reputable news coverage from MyMCMedia, Patch, 7News, Daily Voice, and Bethesda Magazine.
I didn’t hit any traffic cones, no erratic driving, I didn’t attempt to flee, nor did I ever “assault” anyone. I was never asked or told to leave, I was illegally detained and arrested while trying to find a parking spot at the school which I worked out. The police on scene knew this and knew me, so it’s utterly insane to claim I was told to leave or didn’t belong.
The officers involved are disgusting examples of humanity who racially profiled me while I was trying to find parking at work, and escalated to excessive physical force. Shouting “because we say so” is not a legal reason to detain or arrest someone.
Your article is libel and with the many others will be handled as such. Best of luck.