A Hoboken man has been arrested for painting “Free Palestine” graffiti at the United Synagogue of Hoboken last week, authorities said.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“I would like to thank the Hoboken Police Department and the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office for their swift action and thorough investigation which resulted in this arrest,”
Mayor Ravi Bhalla said in a statement.
“I will never stop reminding the world that Hoboken is a fair and welcoming City and while we celebrate free speech, we do not tolerate any form of harassment or intimidation. I look forward to continuing to work with our Police Chief and Public Safety Director to ensure all of our residents remain safe and feel secure, especially in our places of worship.”
Daniel Estreicher, 26, of Hoboken, was charged with bias intimidation and criminal mischief, the Hoboken Police Department announced.
The graffiti, which read “Free Palestine” in green lettering, was found by synagogue staff on a cement ledge in the morning hours of Wednesday, July 24. Sgt. Anthony Russo, Detective John Quinones, and Police Officers Chelsea Tamborra and Jesse Castellano responded.
An investigation by the Hoboken Police Department’s Detective Bureau led by Tamborra, and in conjunction with the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, revealed Estreicher to be the actor.
He turned himself into Hoboken Police Headquarters at approximately 2:10 p.m. yesterday, where he was processed on charges of bias intimidation and criminal mischief before being released with a summons and a court date.
“Throughout the year, the Hoboken Police Department has dealt with incidents that nearly crossed the line from free speech to criminality, but when a synagogue, or any house of worship, is desecrated by graffiti, it is not just unacceptable; it is illegal,” added Public Safety Director Ken Ferrante.
“I thank Chief Aguiar and his investigators for their immediate response to this incident, and the work they did in bringing the offender to justice.”
The Hoboken PD announced they were investigating the incident, which was condemned by several local officials, one week ago.
“I am proud of, and commend, the team of dedicated investigators who responded and quickly solved this case, which had many in our community on edge,” exclaimed Police Chief Steven Aguiar.
“Their efforts, and those of our officers every day, send a clear message that hate, and intimidation have no place in Hoboken.”