Hanukkah stabbing suspect indicted in 'violent and heinous crime'
A grand jury in Rockland County, New York, has returned an indictment against Grafton Thomas in connection with a machete attack at a rabbi's home during Hanukkah, prosecutors said.
On Dec. 28, Hasidic Jews had gathered at the home in Monsey to celebrate Hanukkah when Thomas allegedly forced his way inside, swinging an 18-inch machete. Six people were slashed, including Josef Neumann, a father of seven who has been unconscious since the attack.
Thomas was indicted on six counts of second-degree attempted murder, three counts of first-degree assault, three counts of first-degree attempted assault and two counts of first-degree burglary, Rockland County District Attorney Tom Walsh said Friday.
In the wake of this "violent and heinous crime," Walsh said, "we must restore peace. This is the first stop in the process."
"This investigation is not over," Walsh added. "Hard work will continue, but rest assured, we're making progress."
An arraignment on the indictment is pending, prosecutors said.
Thomas also is charged with federal hate crimes and is being held at a federal facility.
At Thomas' home, investigators recovered journals containing anti-Semitic sentiments, including references to Hitler and "Nazi Culture" "on the same page as drawings of a Star of David and a Swastika," according to the federal complaint.
On the day of the attack, Thomas' phone allegedly was used to access an article titled, "New York City Increases Police Presence in Jewish Neighborhoods After Possible Anti-Semitic Attacks. Here's What To Know."
Defense attorney Michael Sussman said Thomas has "severe psychiatric issues" and has had psychiatric hospitalizations.
Thomas' family said in a statement he "has no known history of anti-Semitism and was raised in a home which embraced and respected all religions and races."
