Man Accused Of Hanukkah Attack Not Fit For Trial: Psychiatrist

MONSEY, NY — A psychiatric report released Tuesday found that the man accused in the Hanukkah attack at a Monsey rabbi's home is unfit to stand trial. Grafton Thomas, 37, who faces attempted murder and hate crime charges, understands what those charges mean.

However, a forensic psychiatrist's report said Thomas suffers from hallucinations and disjointed thinking, the Journal News said.

Because of those afflictions, he cannot assist in his defense, the psychiatrist, Dr. Andrew Levin, said.

Federal prosecutors said that about 100 people were at the Rabbi Chaim Rottenberg's home in Rockland County Dec. 28 when Thomas entered, slashed four people and then fled.

A fifth person was injured in the melee.

Thomas was arrested that night in New York City. Police said he was covered in blood and smelled of bleach. A machete and knife were in his van.

Thomas faces local attempted murder charges and federal hate-crime charges.

Read the complete Journal News article here.

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