Man with hammer enters New York Jewish school, injures child; NYPD investigates motive

An 8-year-old child sustained a head injury after a man entered a Jewish school in Queens, New York, armed with a hammer on Tuesday morning. The New York Police Department (NYPD) reported that the suspect approached a woman outside the school, who then sought refuge inside. The man followed her into the school premises.

“

The NYPD is thoroughly investigating all aspects of the incident, including the possibility of a bias motive, to ensure nothing is overlooked.

School security personnel intervened, preventing the suspect from entering the main building. During the struggle to remove him from the property, the man shoved the child, who was playing in the front yard, into a fence. The injured student was transported to a hospital and is expected to make a complete recovery. The 42-year-old suspect was arrested at the scene, and the hammer was recovered, though it was not used to strike anyone.

While the NYPD is investigating all aspects of the incident, including the possibility of a bias motive, they do not currently believe that the student or the Jewish Institute of Queens were the specific targets of the attack. City Councilmember Phil Wong stated that the NYPD is meticulously examining all angles to ensure nothing is overlooked.

“

Violence against an 8-year-old child is unconscionable. I’m relieved the victim is recovering, and my heart is with them, their loved ones, and New York’s Jewish community.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the violence, expressing relief that the child is recovering and offering support to the victim, their family, and the Jewish community. New York Attorney General Letitia James also denounced the act, stating, "This child, his family, and all of our Jewish communities are in my prayers."

“

In a despicable act of violence, an 8-year-old boy was injured by an intruder at a Queens Jewish school.

Ohr Avner Day Camp, which was operating at the school during the incident, informed parents in a letter that an "unauthorized individual who appeared to be mentally unwell" entered the campus. The letter clarified that the security guard restrained the individual until the NYPD arrived, preventing further harm. Based on current information, the incident is considered random, with no indication that the camp, its campers, or staff were specifically targeted.

“

An unauthorized individual who appeared to be mentally unwell entered our campus property and walked into the front yard, where our campers were playing.