On Wednesday, a driver was charged with multiple hate crimes after allegedly attempting to run over students and rabbis outside a Jewish school in Brooklyn. The suspect, Asghar Ali, 58, is accused of intentionally driving his car toward a group of individuals in front of the Mesivta Nachlas Yakov School in Canarsie.
Per information from the authorities, Ali, a cab driver from Pakistan known to have a history of health issues has been involved in four previous arrests, with the most recent one dating back to 1998. Witnesses observed Ali suddenly hitting the brakes turning his vehicle around and driving onto the sidewalk in the direction of a group of people.
The incident was captured on video showing the moment Alis car crossed over onto the sidewalk. Tire marks found at the scene suggest his change in direction towards the group. Ali was behind the wheel of a Ford sedan on Glenwood Road before swerving towards a group consisting of male students and rabbis, on 55th Street as reported by members of the Flatbush Shomrim Safety Patrol.
During the attack, Ali allegedly shouted antisemitic slurs, including threats to kill the Jews. Following the incident, he attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended by locals and police.
Council member Farah N. Louis condemned the attack, stating, “Asghar Ali’s attempt to mow down students outside the Mesivta Nachlas Yakov School in Canarsie is reprehensible and will not be tolerated. No group or community should live in fear of violence, discrimination, or intimidation. We must address the rising trend of antisemitism to prevent such hateful acts in the future.”
The NYPD reported that five males were targeted in the attack, including three 18-year-olds, a 41-year-old, and a 44-year-old. Fortunately, none of the targeted individuals were harmed. Ali was taken in for questioning by the NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force, and the investigation is ongoing. He faces charges including menacing, attempted murder, attempted assault, and reckless driving.
Authorities believe this attack was an isolated incident with no ties to broader terrorism networks. However, the attack highlights a disturbing rise in antisemitic hate crimes. NYPD data shows a significant increase in such crimes since Hamas’ terror attack on Israel on October 7.
