Accused synagogue firebomber Nicholas Malindretos was ordered held without bail by a federal judge in Newark on Thursday.
Prosecutors claim that federal agents discovered gasoline, wicks, and lighters in his home, as well as notes with a circle drawn in a 10-mile radius on a map, with “a ten-mile radius of targets” that included police and military as potential targets.
However, U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger would not provide any further details about the alleged mental health issues that were alluded to.
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Sellinger remarked that the defendant faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for the “very serious offence” of throwing a firebomb at a building, the temple.
While he did say, “This investigation has just begun,” he would not confirm or deny whether bias charges could be added.
Malindretos, the prosecutor said, is 26 years old, has no permanent address, and has been staying in the basement apartment of a friend.
“Hate crimes have got to stop, but until they do the F.B.I. and all of our partners will make investigating them and bringing them to resolution a top priority,” said James Dennehy, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Newark office.
Malindretos is accused of trying to use fire to destroy a building used in interstate commerce.
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With the help of surveillance footage and the licence plate of the car he was driving, police were able to locate him.
Surveillance footage from early Sunday shows a masked vandal walking up to Temple Ner Tamid in Bloomfield and throwing a Molotov cocktail.
Suspect appears unperturbed as he casually strolls around the property and to the side of the building, as captured on surveillance footage.
After lighting the bomb, he hurls it at the synagogue’s entrance.
Nothing bad happened as a result of it. After discovering the device, authorities were notified.
On Monday morning, members of the Anti-Defamation League in New York and New Jersey gathered in the city to discuss the recent spate of attacks on Jewish people and places of worship in the Tri-State area.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy came to the temple on Tuesday to show his support for the investigation and to reassure the community that they are not alone.
A flight attendant for Delta Airlines is being investigated for alleged antisemitic behaviour, the airline has confirmed. It’s all in Stacey Sager’s report.