2 nabbed on suspicion of plotting NY synagogue attack

"Arrest is stark reminder that Jews and Jewish institutions continue to be a favorite target for extremists,” ADL New York director says.

By JORDANA HORN, JPOST CORRESPONDENT
new york skyline (photo credit: Gary Hershorn / Reuters)
new york skyline
(photo credit: Gary Hershorn / Reuters)
NEW YORK – Authorities arrested two men on Wednesday night in connection with a possible plot to attack Manhattan synagogues.
The Anti-Defamation League applauded the New York City Police Department for preventing the apparent terrorist attack on the synagogues, and called for hate crimes charges to be included against the suspects.
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Specific targets had yet to be selected by the two men arrested, authorities said.
The two were apprehended in an undercover sting operation after they tried to purchase weapons, including grenades and guns. The suspects are expected to be charged under New York’s anti-terror laws.
“The arrests of these suspects is a stark reminder that Jews and Jewish institutions continue to be a favorite target for extremists,” ADL New York Regional Director Ron Meier said. “We are fortunate that the alleged plot in this case was thwarted before it came anywhere close to fruition. This case is a reminder that everyone must remain vigilant when it comes to security. Since the target in this case might have been a synagogue, it is appropriate to include hate-crime charges alongside the terrorism charges,” Meier continued.
The terror threat “was on the radar screen for a few months,” before Osama bin Laden was killed on May 2 in Pakistan by US troops, a law enforcement source told CNN.
The men are of North African descent, law enforcement sources said, and at least one of the men is a US citizen.
The case will be prosecuted by the Manhattan district attorney’s office.