New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo called the recent stabbings that occurred during a Hanukkah celebration in his state an act of domestic terrorism.
The governor visited Rabbi Chaim Rottenberg’s shul in Monsey, New York, after the home was targeted by an assailant with a machete late Saturday night. At least five Orthodox Jews were wounded during the attack.
Following his meeting with the rabbi on Sunday morning, Cuomo called the act domestic terrorism.
“This is intolerance, meets ignorance, meets illegality. This is an intolerant time in this country. We see anger; we see hatred exploding. It is an American cancer in the body politic. It literally turns one cell in the body against others,” said Cuomo, noting that this was the 13th anti-Semitic attack in recent weeks.
He added, “We have seen enough in New York. This is violence spurred by hate. It is mass violence, and I consider this an act of domestic terrorism. Let’s call it what it is. These people are domestic terrorists, and the law should reflect that, and they should be punished as if it was an act of terrorism.”
Authorities have not yet released the name of the attacker, though it was reported that a black male was arrested in connection to the stabbings.
The five victims were all hospitalized, including Rottenberg’s son, who was said to be in stable condition. At least one of the victims is still in critical condition after being struck in the head, according to Cuomo.
