Thursday, October 22, 2026
A 29-year-old Lakeview man was arrested and charged with arson and criminal mischief after allegedly attempting to set a fire at Young Israel of West Hempstead and damaging a Nassau County Police Department auxiliary vehicle near Halls Pond Park, police said.
According to Nassau County Fifth Squad detectives, officers responded to a report of criminal mischief at Halls Pond Park, 831 Hempstead Ave., at approximately 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21. A witness reported seeing a man break the side mirror of an auxiliary police vehicle and called 911.
While officers searched for the suspect, another man stopped them and reported seeing someone starting a fire nearby, police said.
Officers responded to Young Israel of West Hempstead, at 630 Hempstead Ave., where they found Azzm Khan, 29, of Park Avenue in Lakeview, and a bush on fire.
Detectives said Khan had taken a lawn sign from the area, set it on fire and attempted to push it beneath the synagogue's entrance door. He then allegedly placed the burning sign in a bush, causing it to catch fire, before returning to the entrance and repeatedly kicking the door, damaging it.
Police said their investigation also linked Khan to the damaged auxiliary vehicle. He was arrested without further incident.
In an earlier statement, the congregation reported that an individual had struck the synagogue's glass entrance with a bat but had been unable to break through. The congregation also reported that the flames had gone out on their own.
The synagogue said its security team responded to the incident and that detectives received video footage. Its Security Committee has been in contact with Nassau County police and Homeland Security and plans to review existing security measures.
"I have been in direct contact with Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder," Nassau County Legislator Olena Nicks said. "The Nassau County Police Department is working alongside other law enforcement agencies to protect the congregation and surrounding community."
Rabbi Joshua Goller said the congregation would continue its activities despite the incident.
"Our community remains strong, united and undaunted," Goller said. "Our doors will remain open and our services and programs will continue as scheduled."
Khan was charged with two counts of third-degree criminal mischief, third-degree arson and fifth-degree arson. Police said he was arraigned Thursday, Oct. 22, in First District Court in Hempstead.
The investigation remains ongoing. Police said there were no known active threats to the community as of their statement.
More to follow.
