RUTHERFORD, NJ — A teenager has been arrested in connection with two synagogue firebombings in northern New Jersey, after a series of recent attacks shook the nerves of the region’s Jewish community.
Anthony M. Graziano, 19, of Lodi, NJ, was charged Tuesday with attempted murder for the firebombing of a rabbi’s residence at a synagogue in Rutherford, about 10 miles west of Manhattan.
Police said that on Jan. 11, Graziano threw an incendiary device into the building while Rabbi Neil Schuman and his family were inside.
Graziano was also charged with the Jan. 3 arson and firebombing of the Temple K’Hal Adath Jeshrun of Paramus.
Prosecutors said a number of tips regarding the identity of an individual captured on store surveillance tape lead them to Graziano.
Police interviewed Graziano, as well as numerous relatives and friends. Police also executed a search warrant on the home, recovering items of evidence.
Graziano faces nine counts of first degree attempted murder, one count of first degree bias intimidation and one count of first degree aggravated arson for the Rutherford incident.
He has been charged with first degree aggravated arson, first degree bias intimidation and third degree arson for the Paramus incident. Bail was set at $5,000,000.
To read more, go to MyFoxNY.com.