A New York man allegedly threatened to shoot up an Orthodox Jewish camp because he thought it was violating coronavirus mask restrictions.
Nicola Pelle, 58, of Long Island reportedly called Nassau County police to report that the Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island was skirting state health guidelines and “approximately 500 students were wearing no masks,” according to ABC 7. While en route, police said Pelle called again and threatened, “If I got to go out there with a freaking machine gun and shoot all these people, I will.”
Officers said when they arrived at the camp they found only 30 students with their parents. Pelle, who lives near the camp, was arrested, and his home was searched. Authorities said they discovered 14 weapons, all that were legal except for a .223 Bushmaster rifle, which had a detachable clip and a pistol grip and is banned under state law.
Pelle was arrested for making a terroristic threat and also faces weapons charges.
“Our officers did an outstanding job for questioning the subject, got him to admit he made that complaint, did make the threat to shoot the school up, and then, going in and recovering the weapons,” said Nassau Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder.
Some of Pelle’s neighbors told ABC 7 that they didn’t think he was serious about the threat.
“He made the remark, came out of his mouth. It is what it is,” neighbor Anthony Rivelli said. “He just wasn’t making sense, so I knew something was wrong. So I think we got a little overreaction.”
