Cat Killer Suspect Accused Of Antisemitic Rampage

A man once accused of torturing and killing a cat allegedly tried to burn down a synagogue in West Hempstead, New York, on Wednesday.

Azzm Khan allegedly broke the side mirror of a police vehicle, lit a yard sign on fire, and slid it beneath the entrance to the synagogue, according to the Nassau County Police Department.

After the synagogue failed to catch fire, Khan allegedly removed the burning sign from beneath the door and placed it in a bush that caught fire. He then returned to the synagogue entrance and kicked it repeatedly, according to authorities.

Officials told The Daily Wire that Khan appeared “disgruntled” but thankfully did not injure any officers and was arrested without incident. Khan has several prior arrests, including for torturing and murdering a cat.

“There’s no place for hate in our town. Nobody should have to endure something like this,” Yisroel Szpigiel, vice president of the synagogue, said. “Whether it’s our [synagogue] or any of the churches or any of the organizations in the neighborhood. We’ll have to be here to protect each other.”

“I am disgusted by this cowardly act of antisemitism. Hatred has no place in the Town of Hempstead, and no Jewish resident or congregation should ever have to fear being targeted because of their faith,” Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti posted on Facebook. “I stand firmly with our Jewish neighbors and I commend law enforcement for their swift action, sending a clear message that acts of hate will not be tolerated.”

“As this remains an ongoing police investigation, I have full confidence in law enforcement to thoroughly examine every aspect of this incident and deliver justice,” Ferretti told The Daily Wire.

Khan faces two counts of Criminal Mischief 3rd degree, Arson 3rd degree, and Arson 5th degree. Khan may face prison time. The incident is also being investigated as a potential hate crime.