Late Friday, local law enforcement alerted members of the greater New York area of an active threat to the Jewish community and NYC synagogues. About 1,000 Hatzalah members received instructions over the radio Friday night to check their emails for “a very important security announcement”. Police were on the lookout for 2 individuals, identified as 22-year-olds Christopher Brown and Matthew Mahrer, who made credible threats mainly via Twitter. Chasdei Hashem, the two were arrested at Penn Station while attempting to board an LIRR train. Upon the arrest, NYPD recovered a Glock 17 firearm and 30-round magazine, a hunting knife, a ski mask and a Nazi armband.
NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell praised the “sharp-eyed” law enforcement action in the case.
“The FBI/NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force, NYPD Counterterrorism and Intelligence Bureau investigators, working with their law enforcement partners, uncovered a developing threat to the Jewish community on Friday and moved swiftly to gather information, identify those behind it, and operationally neutralize their ability to do harm,” Sewell said in a statement.
“By early Saturday, the NYPD’s exhaustive intelligence-gathering led to the arrest by sharp-eyed MTA police officers of two individuals entering Penn Station, in Manhattan, and the seizures of a large hunting knife, an illegal Glock 17 firearm and 30-round magazine, and several other items.”
“As a joint investigation now continues to establish a strong prosecution, Police Department commanders are strategically deploying assets at sensitive locations throughout New York City. And I join all New Yorkers today in expressing my gratitude and pride for the ever-vigilant work of our NYPD women and men — who remain on-guard around-the- clock and every day to protect the peace and ensure no violence can ever come to the city and its people.”
Arrest Update
The quick investigative work of NYPD detectives has led our law enforcement partners in Virginia to the individual wanted for the tragic murder of three women in Queens. The suspect has been taken into custody and is currently awaiting extradition. pic.twitter.com/M5t5Xcy1zE— Commissioner Sewell (@NYPDPC) November 19, 2022
Today, we’re extremely grateful to NYPD investigators and our law enforcement partners who uncovered and stopped a threat to our Jewish community. This morning’s arrests in Penn Station and weapon seizures are proof of their vigilance & collaboration that keeps New Yorkers safe. pic.twitter.com/p7ptKPgBSj
— Commissioner Sewell (@NYPDPC) November 19, 2022
