Man attempts to run down Jewish students in Brooklyn

Near the Mesivta Nachlas Yakov Vien Yeshiva, Asghar Ali, 58, reportedly shouted antisemitic statements before driving onto the sidewalk in an alleged attempt to hit two men and three teenagers.

MAY 30, 2024 02:15

Updated: MAY 30, 2024 20:17

Members of the NYPD and Federal Law Enforcement create a security perimeter on the sidelines of the 78th United Nations General Assembly at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, U.S., September 18, 2023. (photo credit: REUTERS/BRENDAN MCDERMID) — Members of the NYPD and Federal Law Enforcement create a security perimeter on the sidelines of the 78th United Nations General Assembly at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, U.S., September 18, 2023.

(photo credit: REUTERS/BRENDAN MCDERMID)

A man attempted to run down Jewish students on the sidewalk next to a Brooklyn yeshiva on Wednesday, the New York Police Department said.

Near the Mesivta Nachlas Yakov Vien Yeshiva, Asghar Ali, 58, reportedly shouted antisemitic statements before driving onto the sidewalk in an alleged attempt to hit two men and three teenagers. No one was reported injured.

Jewish neighborhood watch group Shomrim mobilized volunteers from the Flatbush, Boro Park, and Crown Heights chapters to work with the local NYPD precinct to ensure the suspect’s capture.

This subject jumped the curb, attempting to mow down pedestrians while shouting antisemitic slurs. Thanks to the outstanding collaborative efforts between our volunteers, @BPShomrim, and @ShomrimCH volunteers, he was ultimately apprehended and arrested by @NYPD63Pct. pic.twitter.com/Cur0MMmhRS
— Flatbush Shomrim Safety Patrol (@FlatbushShomrim) May 30, 2024

An NYPD car. (credit: Wikimedia Commons)

Suspect arrested and charged

New York Assemblyman Pinny Ringel thanked the Shomrim and the NYPD for “working together to get this dangerous antisemite off the streets of our community before he was able to injure or kill someone.”

The NYPD said Thursday that in the course of the ongoing investigation, the suspect was arrested and charged.

Ali faces 22 charges, including attempted murder as a hate crime, attempted assault as a hate crime, vehicular assault, reckless endangerment, and aggravated harassment.