Bed-Stuy Man Accused Of Scrawling 'Die Jew Rats' In Synagogue

PROSPECT HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN — Police have charged a Brooklyn man in connection with racist vandalism at a Prospect Heights synagogue. Ilana Glazer, star of"Broad City" canceled her event at the Union Temple on Thursday after anti-Semitic messages — such as "Die Jew rats, we are here" — were found on the stairwell and hallways. "Hitler" and "Jews better be ready," were also scrawled in black marker, police said, as well as drawings of the Puerto Rican flag accompanied by the words “Free PR."

On Friday night, authorities charged James Polite, 26, of the 500 block of Classon Avenue in Bedford-Stuyvesant, with criminal mischief as a hate crime and making graffiti. Police told the media outlet Heavy that Polite has been sent to a mental health facility in Brooklyn likely due to how he acted during his arrest.

The New York Daily News reported, citing anonymous sources, that Polite is also suspected of starting small trash fires in and around synagogues in Williamsburg. He was reportedly wearing the same clothes Friday night that he was seen in when he was recorded by the synagogue's surveillance cameras.

The vandalism appeared just a day after swastikas were drawn on a block in Brooklyn Heights and days after the mass shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburgh, in which 11 people were slain.

Glazer planned to host a discussion with state senate candidates Andrew Gounardes and Jim Gaughran, as well as journalist Amy Goodman.

UPDATE - Arrest has been made on this incident. Thank you #Hatecrimestaskforce , proving every day that there is no place for hate anywhere in NYC. https://t.co/QDbGWvZ68d
— Chief Dermot F. Shea (@NYPDDetectives) November 3, 2018

Photo credit: NYPD