Full Breakdown
14-Year-Old Slashed Inside Brooklyn Orthodox Synagogue
By Drooid · · How we work
Brooklyn Synagogue Slashing
On Monday evening at approximately 7:20 p.m., a 22-year-old congregant identified as Krybus Shimon attacked a 14-year-old boy inside the Yeshiva Gevoah Toldos synagogue at 1675 54th St. in Borough Park, Brooklyn. Police said the suspect used a cutting instrument, slashing the teen’s hand. Emergency services treated the wound on site, but the victim declined further medical care.
Background: Borough Park Community and Recent Antisemitic Vandalism
Borough Park is one of the United States’ largest Orthodox Jewish enclaves, home to roughly 96,000 Jews according to the UJA-Federation of New York. The neighborhood experienced a surge of antisemitic vandalism in January 2025, when more than 70 swastikas and the words “Adolf Hitler” were spray-painted across Gravesend Park. Two 15-year-old boys were later arrested and charged with aggravated harassment and criminal mischief as a hate crime.
Official Police Response
The New York Police Department (NYPD) reported receiving a 911 call about an “emotionally disturbed person” inside the synagogue. Officers found Shimon inside the building, placed him in custody without incident, and recovered a knife at the scene. NYPD officials stated the incident is not being investigated as a hate crime, noting that the motive remains unclear.
Legal Charges and Immediate Aftermath
Following his arrest, Shimon was charged on Monday with assault, reckless endangerment, and criminal possession of a weapon. The teen victim’s refusal of medical attention was documented by police. No additional arrests were made, and the synagogue remained open for services later that night.
No Indication of Hate Crime Motive
While Borough Park has recently been the target of antisemitic graffiti, law enforcement has not linked the slashing to a hate-based motive. The NYPD’s current stance is that the case will proceed under standard criminal statutes rather than hate-crime provisions, pending further investigation.