DistantNews
🇮🇱 Israel /Conflict & Security

Long Island father and teen son arrested for swastika graffiti, explosive materials in home

From Jerusalem Post · (6m ago) English Critical tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A father and teenage son were arrested in Syosset, New York, after swastika graffiti at a high school led to a home search.
  • Police discovered "highly unstable" materials used to make explosives, including nitroglycerin, acids, oxidizers, and fuels, in their residence.
  • The father faces charges including weapon possession and child endangerment, while the son is charged with weapon possession, criminal mischief, and making graffiti.

A disturbing incident unfolded on Long Island, where a father and his teenage son now face serious charges following an investigation into swastika graffiti at Syosset High School. What began as a probe into antisemitic vandalism escalated dramatically when police, acting on information from the 15-year-old student himself, discovered a cache of dangerous, "highly unstable" explosive materials within their home.

highly unstable materials that had been combined to make explosives

— ProsecutorsDescribing the dangerous chemicals found in the suspects' home.

The discovery included a volatile mix of chemicals like nitroglycerin, acids, oxidizers, and fuels, apparently intended for building rockets. This alarming find prompted immediate evacuation of neighboring homes due to the significant risk of explosion. The father, 48-year-old Francisco Sanles, has pleaded not guilty to charges including criminal possession of a weapon and endangering the welfare of a child. His son, whose identity is protected due to his age, faces multiple charges including criminal possession of a weapon and aggravated harassment.

His father had purchased the chemicals for him to build rockets.

— TeenagerExplaining the origin of the chemicals found in the home.

This event casts a shadow over the Syosset community, which prides itself on being welcoming and inclusive, especially given its significant Jewish student population. While swastika graffiti is unfortunately not uncommon in schools—the Anti-Defamation League reported over 400 incidents in 2024—the presence of explosive materials alongside such hate speech is exceptionally rare and deeply concerning.

Antisemitism and hate speech have no place in our communities or in our schools.

— Syosset School DistrictIssuing a statement condemning the hate speech and affirming community values.

The Syosset School District has affirmed its commitment to confronting hate, stating that "Antisemitism and hate speech have no place in our communities or in our schools." The student will face consequences under the district's code of conduct. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dual threats of hate-motivated vandalism and the potential for dangerous materials to fall into the wrong hands, underscoring the need for vigilance and swift action by law enforcement and educational institutions alike.

We protect those values and this community by confronting and holding accountable those who traffic in any form of hate.

— Syosset School DistrictReiterating the district's commitment to addressing hate speech and holding perpetrators accountable.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog