Overview
- Police say Azzm Khan, 29, was found near a burning bush outside Young Israel of West Hempstead after officers responded to reports of a damaged police vehicle on Wednesday night.
- Authorities allege Khan set a lawn sign on fire, tried to shove the burning sign under the synagogue door, kicked the entrance and then placed the sign in nearby bushes before officers arrested him without resistance.
- Khan was arraigned Thursday on two counts of criminal mischief and two counts of arson, pleaded not guilty and was held on $500,000 bail with a return court date set for Monday.
- Investigators are reviewing surveillance that reportedly shows Khan speaking on his cellphone's speakerphone during the incident, and police have not publicly confirmed whether anyone else is being sought.
- Synagogue leaders and local officials boosted patrols and shared materials with investigators, but state and federal offices gave conflicting accounts about Homeland Security notification and officials say no formal hate‑crime decision has been announced.