Grafton E. Thomas
Hate Crime Mass Stabbing
CLASSIFICATION: Mass Murder
LOCATION
Monsey, New York
TIME PERIOD
December 28, 2019
VICTIMS
5 confirmed
On December 28, 2019, at approximately 10:00 p.m., a masked assailant armed with a machete attacked guests at a Hanukkah celebration hosted by Rabbi Chaim Rottenberg in Monsey, New York. The attack resulted in five men being injured, with two critically wounded; Rabbi Josef Neumann, aged 72, succumbed to his injuries three months later. The suspect, Grafton E. Thomas, was apprehended shortly after the incident and charged with multiple counts, including second-degree murder and attempted murder, but was later deemed incompetent to stand trial due to a history of severe mental illness. The attack has been classified as a hate crime, reflecting rising antisemitic violence in the area, which has a significant Jewish population.
The attack is widely believed to have been motivated by antisemitism, given the timing during Hanukkah and the targeting of a Jewish gathering. Some speculate that the assailant's history of mental illness may have influenced his actions, while others discuss the broader implications of rising hate crimes against Jewish communities in the U.S. since the incident. Community members express concerns about safety and the need for increased protection for religious gatherings.
Monsey Hanukkah Stabbing: A Night of Terror
A Devastating Attack
On the evening of December 28, 2019, a peaceful Hanukkah celebration turned into a scene of horror in Monsey, New York. It was the seventh night of the Jewish holiday, and a group had gathered at the home of Rabbi Chaim Rottenberg of the Koson Hasidic dynasty. They were there to watch the rabbi light the candles and partake in the festivities. Around 10:00 p.m., the tranquility was shattered when a masked man brandishing a machete stormed into the house, unleashing chaos and violence upon the unsuspecting guests.
As the assailant wielded his deadly weapon, five men were viciously attacked and left bleeding. Among them was Rabbi Josef Neumann, aged 72, who suffered a severe skull fracture and was rendered unconscious. He remained in a coma for 59 days before succumbing to his injuries in March 2020.
The gathering, nearly 100 strong, was gripped with panic. Yet, amid the terror, several guests bravely fought back, using chairs and a small table to fend off the attacker. Their courage forced the intruder to flee, thwarting further bloodshed. The entire ordeal, though terrifying, lasted no more than two minutes.
The Suspect's Flight and Capture
Following the attack, the suspect attempted to break into the adjacent synagogue, Congregation Netzach Yisroel, also under Rabbi Rottenberg's leadership. However, the doors were securely locked, preventing his entry. Undeterred, he fled the scene in a vehicle. A vigilant witness quickly noted the license plate number, which proved crucial in the subsequent manhunt.
At approximately 11:45 p.m., a license plate reader on the George Washington Bridge identified the suspect's car as it entered New York City. Shortly after midnight, New York City police apprehended the driver in Harlem without resistance. The suspect, Grafton E. Thomas, was found with blood-stained clothing and a strong odor of bleach emanating from him. He was promptly handed over to Ramapo police and transported back to Monsey for arraignment.
Grafton E. Thomas: The Man Behind the Mask
Grafton E. Thomas, a 37-year-old African-American from Greenwood Lake, northwest of Monsey, emerged as the accused. His past was checkered with multiple arrests since 2001. His criminal history included charges of assault, resisting arrest, driving under the influence, and even menacing a police officer. In 2013, he was briefly jailed for possession of a controlled substance.
Investigators uncovered disturbing evidence of antisemitic intent. Thomas's journals contained writings that glorified Adolf Hitler and Nazi culture, alongside drawings of a Star of David and a swastika. The journals also referenced the Black Hebrew Israelites, a fringe religious movement linked to antisemitism. In the days leading up to the attack, Thomas's online activity included searches for "Why did Hitler hate the Jews," and "German Jewish Temples near me." He also sought information on "Zionist Temples" in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and Staten Island, New York. Authorities suspected him of a prior stabbing of an Orthodox Jewish man in November 2019.
Despite these findings, Thomas's lawyer, speaking on behalf of his family, asserted that Thomas was not affiliated with any hate groups.
A Troubled Mind
Thomas's actions were also attributed to a long-standing struggle with mental illness. Diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 2018, his mental health had been deteriorating for over a decade. He underwent a psychiatric evaluation at the Orange County Medical Center following an arrest involving a confrontation with a police officer. In April 2019, eight months before the Monsey attack, he was hospitalized for psychiatric disorders.
Judicial Proceedings
Grafton Thomas faced severe legal consequences. On December 29, 2019, he was arraigned in Rockland County for five counts of attempted murder and one count of first-degree burglary, pleading not guilty. His bail was set at $5 million. In March 2020, after Rabbi Neumann's death, charges were upgraded to include second-degree murder.
Concurrently, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York charged Thomas with federal hate crimes, involving the "obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs involving an attempt to kill and use of a dangerous weapon." A federal grand jury indicted him on these charges.
However, Thomas's mental health once again became a focal point. In April 2020, a federal judge declared him incompetent to stand trial, ordering his hospitalization in a mental facility. Since then, he has been primarily held at the Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield, Missouri, with occasional transfers to New York for court proceedings. A 2021 examination reaffirmed his incompetency to stand trial, a decision echoed by a state judge in January 2022.
On January 17, 2024, Rockland County Judge Kevin Russo ordered Thomas to remain at the Mid-Hudson Forensic Psychiatric Center for up to two more years, postponing the trial as he received psychiatric treatment.
Political and Social Repercussions
The Monsey Hanukkah stabbing reverberated through political and social circles. New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo labeled it an "act of domestic terrorism" and instructed the state's hate crimes task force to investigate. Attorney General Letitia James emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for hate crimes, while Senator Chuck Schumer condemned the attack as "an act of pure evil."
On a national level, President Donald Trump expressed horror at the attack, calling for unity against antisemitism. Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin, condemned the attack and offered their support to combat antisemitism globally.
The incident also sparked debate over New York State's bail reforms, which mandated non-monetary release conditions for many non-violent felonies, including hate crimes. Critics argued that such policies allowed individuals like Thomas, with a history of minor violent crimes, to remain free.
In a letter to Governor Cuomo, four New York Jewish politicians requested a special prosecutor for antisemitic hate crimes and the deployment of the National Guard to safeguard Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods, reflecting the growing concern for community safety.
Sources
This narrative is based on the comprehensive details from the Wikipedia article on Grafton E. Thomas.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Hanukkah Stabbing Attack
A masked man stabs five guests at a rabbi's Hanukkah party in Monsey, New York.
Rabbi Neumann Dies
Rabbi Josef Neumann, critically injured in the stabbing, dies from his wounds.
Suspect Arrested
Grafton E. Thomas is arrested in New York City shortly after the attack.
Charges Filed
Thomas is charged with five counts of attempted murder and one count of first-degree burglary.
Incompetent to Stand Trial
A federal judge rules Thomas incompetent to stand trial on federal charges.
State Charges Ruling
A state judge rules Thomas incompetent to stand trial on state charges.
Extended Hospitalization
Judge orders Thomas to be held for up to two additional years for psychiatric treatment.
On December 28, 2019, at approximately 10:00 p.m., a masked assailant armed with a machete attacked guests at a Hanukkah celebration hosted by Rabbi Chaim Rottenberg in Monsey, New York. The attack resulted in five men being injured, with two critically wounded; Rabbi Josef Neumann, aged 72, succumbed to his injuries three months later. The suspect, Grafton E. Thomas, was apprehended shortly after the incident and charged with multiple counts, including second-degree murder and attempted murder, but was later deemed incompetent to stand trial due to a history of severe mental illness. The attack has been classified as a hate crime, reflecting rising antisemitic violence in the area, which has a significant Jewish population.
The attack is widely believed to have been motivated by antisemitism, given the timing during Hanukkah and the targeting of a Jewish gathering. Some speculate that the assailant's history of mental illness may have influenced his actions, while others discuss the broader implications of rising hate crimes against Jewish communities in the U.S. since the incident. Community members express concerns about safety and the need for increased protection for religious gatherings.
Monsey Hanukkah Stabbing: A Night of Terror
A Devastating Attack
On the evening of December 28, 2019, a peaceful Hanukkah celebration turned into a scene of horror in Monsey, New York. It was the seventh night of the Jewish holiday, and a group had gathered at the home of Rabbi Chaim Rottenberg of the Koson Hasidic dynasty. They were there to watch the rabbi light the candles and partake in the festivities. Around 10:00 p.m., the tranquility was shattered when a masked man brandishing a machete stormed into the house, unleashing chaos and violence upon the unsuspecting guests.
As the assailant wielded his deadly weapon, five men were viciously attacked and left bleeding. Among them was Rabbi Josef Neumann, aged 72, who suffered a severe skull fracture and was rendered unconscious. He remained in a coma for 59 days before succumbing to his injuries in March 2020.
The gathering, nearly 100 strong, was gripped with panic. Yet, amid the terror, several guests bravely fought back, using chairs and a small table to fend off the attacker. Their courage forced the intruder to flee, thwarting further bloodshed. The entire ordeal, though terrifying, lasted no more than two minutes.
The Suspect's Flight and Capture
Following the attack, the suspect attempted to break into the adjacent synagogue, Congregation Netzach Yisroel, also under Rabbi Rottenberg's leadership. However, the doors were securely locked, preventing his entry. Undeterred, he fled the scene in a vehicle. A vigilant witness quickly noted the license plate number, which proved crucial in the subsequent manhunt.
At approximately 11:45 p.m., a license plate reader on the George Washington Bridge identified the suspect's car as it entered New York City. Shortly after midnight, New York City police apprehended the driver in Harlem without resistance. The suspect, Grafton E. Thomas, was found with blood-stained clothing and a strong odor of bleach emanating from him. He was promptly handed over to Ramapo police and transported back to Monsey for arraignment.
Grafton E. Thomas: The Man Behind the Mask
Grafton E. Thomas, a 37-year-old African-American from Greenwood Lake, northwest of Monsey, emerged as the accused. His past was checkered with multiple arrests since 2001. His criminal history included charges of assault, resisting arrest, driving under the influence, and even menacing a police officer. In 2013, he was briefly jailed for possession of a controlled substance.
Investigators uncovered disturbing evidence of antisemitic intent. Thomas's journals contained writings that glorified Adolf Hitler and Nazi culture, alongside drawings of a Star of David and a swastika. The journals also referenced the Black Hebrew Israelites, a fringe religious movement linked to antisemitism. In the days leading up to the attack, Thomas's online activity included searches for "Why did Hitler hate the Jews," and "German Jewish Temples near me." He also sought information on "Zionist Temples" in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and Staten Island, New York. Authorities suspected him of a prior stabbing of an Orthodox Jewish man in November 2019.
Despite these findings, Thomas's lawyer, speaking on behalf of his family, asserted that Thomas was not affiliated with any hate groups.
A Troubled Mind
Thomas's actions were also attributed to a long-standing struggle with mental illness. Diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 2018, his mental health had been deteriorating for over a decade. He underwent a psychiatric evaluation at the Orange County Medical Center following an arrest involving a confrontation with a police officer. In April 2019, eight months before the Monsey attack, he was hospitalized for psychiatric disorders.
Judicial Proceedings
Grafton Thomas faced severe legal consequences. On December 29, 2019, he was arraigned in Rockland County for five counts of attempted murder and one count of first-degree burglary, pleading not guilty. His bail was set at $5 million. In March 2020, after Rabbi Neumann's death, charges were upgraded to include second-degree murder.
Concurrently, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York charged Thomas with federal hate crimes, involving the "obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs involving an attempt to kill and use of a dangerous weapon." A federal grand jury indicted him on these charges.
However, Thomas's mental health once again became a focal point. In April 2020, a federal judge declared him incompetent to stand trial, ordering his hospitalization in a mental facility. Since then, he has been primarily held at the Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield, Missouri, with occasional transfers to New York for court proceedings. A 2021 examination reaffirmed his incompetency to stand trial, a decision echoed by a state judge in January 2022.
On January 17, 2024, Rockland County Judge Kevin Russo ordered Thomas to remain at the Mid-Hudson Forensic Psychiatric Center for up to two more years, postponing the trial as he received psychiatric treatment.
Political and Social Repercussions
The Monsey Hanukkah stabbing reverberated through political and social circles. New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo labeled it an "act of domestic terrorism" and instructed the state's hate crimes task force to investigate. Attorney General Letitia James emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for hate crimes, while Senator Chuck Schumer condemned the attack as "an act of pure evil."
On a national level, President Donald Trump expressed horror at the attack, calling for unity against antisemitism. Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin, condemned the attack and offered their support to combat antisemitism globally.
The incident also sparked debate over New York State's bail reforms, which mandated non-monetary release conditions for many non-violent felonies, including hate crimes. Critics argued that such policies allowed individuals like Thomas, with a history of minor violent crimes, to remain free.
In a letter to Governor Cuomo, four New York Jewish politicians requested a special prosecutor for antisemitic hate crimes and the deployment of the National Guard to safeguard Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods, reflecting the growing concern for community safety.
Sources
This narrative is based on the comprehensive details from the Wikipedia article on Grafton E. Thomas.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Hanukkah Stabbing Attack
A masked man stabs five guests at a rabbi's Hanukkah party in Monsey, New York.
Rabbi Neumann Dies
Rabbi Josef Neumann, critically injured in the stabbing, dies from his wounds.
Suspect Arrested
Grafton E. Thomas is arrested in New York City shortly after the attack.
Charges Filed
Thomas is charged with five counts of attempted murder and one count of first-degree burglary.
Incompetent to Stand Trial
A federal judge rules Thomas incompetent to stand trial on federal charges.
State Charges Ruling
A state judge rules Thomas incompetent to stand trial on state charges.
Extended Hospitalization
Judge orders Thomas to be held for up to two additional years for psychiatric treatment.