BROOKLYN, NY - In what has been described as an “antisemitic attack,” NYPD have arrested a Brooklyn man accused of carrying out a violent stabbing outside a synagogue in Crown Heights, as reported by the New York Times.
According to law enforcement officials, 23-year-old Armani Charles was taken into custody following a nearly week-long manhunt.
Authorities say that, prior to the stabbing, Charles had been ranting at length about wanting to “kill a Jew.” Charles has been charged with attempted assault, assault, aggravated harassment, and menacing, all with hate crime enhancements.
Police say the attack occurred on December 16 as 35-year-old Elias Rosner was leaving a Lubavitch Hasidic synagogue near the intersection of Kingston Avenue and Lincoln Place.
Rosner told reporters that he overheard Charles shouting antisemitic slurs and openly declaring his intent to kill Jewish people while brandishing a knife. According to investigators, Rosner confronted the suspect, at which point Charles allegedly lunged and stabbed him once in the chest, narrowly missing his heart.
Despite suffering a serious wound, Rosner chased his attacker for a short distance before collapsing. Surveillance footage released by the NYPD shows Rosner pursuing Charles down the street before he was forced to stop due to his injuries.
Rosner was transported to Kings County Hospital, where he was treated for the stab wound and released the following day.
Rosner told authorities that his thick sweater helped absorb much of the blade impact, possibly saving his life. “I was able to catch most of the force of the blade with the sweater, and that’s basically what saved my life.”
As the attack occurred on the third night of Hanukkah, the NYPD deployed dozens of additional officers to Crown Heights, which has become known for its large and vibrant Jewish community.
Police officials said the increased presence was meant to reassure residents following what investigators classified as a bias-motivated attack, as concerns over antisemitic violence continue to rise across New York City.
According to Rosner, the attack reflects a broader rise in antisemitic rhetoric and violence in New York City that he’s experienced in recent years.
NYPD statistics show that a significant portion of reported hate crimes in the city target Jewish residents or property, a trend that has remained steady over the past two years.
Charles is expected to face further court proceedings as the case moves forward. Authorities have not indicated whether additional charges may be filed, but officials emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and that hate crime prosecutions will be pursued aggressively.
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