Threat To NYC Jewish Community Averted, 2 Men Face Charges: NYPD

NEW YORK CITY — A "developing threat" to New York City's Jewish community was foiled Saturday when two armed men were taken into police custody at Penn Station, NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell said in a statement.

The men were arrested by MTA police officers following an investigation by the FBI/NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force and NYPD Counterterrorism and Intelligence Bureau investigators.

According to Sewell, investigators uncovered a threat to the city's Jewish community on Friday and "moved swiftly to gather information, identify those behind it, and operationally neutralize their ability to do harm."

Christopher Brown, 21, of Aquebogue, New York, is charged with making terroristic threats, aggravated harassment, and criminal possession of a weapon, ABC7 reported. Matthew Mahrer, 22, of New York City is also facing weapons charges.

During the arrest, police seized a large hunting knife, an illegal Glock 17 firearm, a 30-round magazine, and several other items.

Authorities did not say if a specific person or synagogue had been targeted.

The investigation into the threat is ongoing, police said.

"I join all New Yorkers today in expressing my gratitude and pride for the ever-vigilant work of our NYPD women and men who remain on guard around the clock and every day to protect the peace and ensure no violence can ever come to the city and its people," Sewell said in a statement.

Antisemitic incidents reached an all-time high in the United States in 2021, according to an April report by the Anti-Defamation League. In all, 2,717 incidents of assault, harassment, and vandalism were reported to ADL.

Attacks against Jewish institutions, including Jewish community centers and synagogues, were up by 61 percent in 2021, according to the report.