Lakeview man accused of trying to set fire to West Hempstead synagogue
Investigators determined Khan allegedly took a lawn sign from the area, set it on fire and attempted to slide it under the synagogue’s door. After that attempt failed, police said he placed the sign in a bush, causing it to catch fire, before repeatedly kicking the synagogue door and damaging it.
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A Lakeview man is accused of attempting to set fire to a West Hempstead synagogue and damaging a police auxiliary vehicle, according to Nassau County police.
Police said officers initially responded to a report of criminal mischief involving a Nassau County Police Department auxiliary vehicle at Hall’s Pond Park on Hempstead Avenue in West Hempstead. A witness told police they saw a man break the vehicle’s side mirror and called 911.
While officers searched for the suspect, another person reported seeing someone light a fire nearby, according to detectives.
Officers then responded to Young Israel of West Hempstead at 630 Hempstead Ave., where they found a bush actively on fire and identified the suspect as 29-year-old Azzm Khan, of Lakeview.
Investigators determined Khan allegedly took a lawn sign from the area, set it on fire and attempted to slide it under the synagogue’s door. After that attempt failed, police said he placed the sign in a bush, causing it to catch fire, before repeatedly kicking the synagogue door and damaging it.
Police said Khan was also responsible for the damage to the auxiliary vehicle. He was arrested without further incident.
Yisroel Szpigiel, first vice president of Young Israel of West Hempstead, said he was disturbed by the incident. He said the neighborhood has experienced minor vandalism in previous years, but nothing comparable to this.
“There’s no place for hate in our town. Nobody should have to endure something like this,” Szpigiel said. “Whether it’s our shul or any of the churches or any of the organizations in the neighborhood. We’ll have to be here to protect each other.”
A neighbor also told News 12 he noticed a lawn sign missing from his property and was awakened by police activity.
Khan is charged with two counts of third-degree criminal mischief, third-degree arson and fifth-degree arson.
Police said there are no known active threats to the community.
