Anti-Semitic Incidents Targeting Brooklyn Museum Board Members Lead to Indictment of Three Individuals
A woman and two men have been indicted in connection to a series of anti-Semitic incidents targeting members of the Brooklyn Museum’s board of directors, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced Monday.
Charges and Allegations
The 25-count indictment charges the defendants with hate crimes and vandalism in Brooklyn Heights, Boerum Hill, and Manhattan’s Lenox Hill. The defendants, Taylor Pelton of Queens and Samuel Seligson and Gabriel Schubiner of Brooklyn, face multiple charges, including making a terroristic threat as a hate crime, criminal mischief, and conspiracy.
Arrests and Court Appearances
Schubiner was arraigned on November 4 before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun and released without bail. Seligson and Pelton are expected to be arraigned next week.
District Attorney’s Statement
Gonzalez expressed concern over the nature of the alleged crimes. "Acts of vandalism that target individuals in their own homes are a deeply disturbing violation meant to intimidate, terrorize, and instill fear," he said. "These defendants allegedly targeted museum board members with threats and anti-Semitic graffiti based on their perceived heritage."
Investigation and Evidence
According to the District Attorney’s office, the trio was allegedly captured on surveillance footage gathering supplies in Crown Heights on June 12, 2024, before targeting the homes of individuals affiliated with the Brooklyn Museum. Evidence indicates they tried to conceal their identities by painting over security cameras during the acts of vandalism.
Incidents of Vandalism
One incident reportedly involved defacing a board member’s residence with red paint, graffiti that read "Brooklyn Museum, blood on your hands," and a banner accusing her of "blood on your hands, war crimes, funds genocide." The suspects allegedly painted red, inverted triangles at the scene, symbols reportedly associated with Hamas, an Islamic resistance group. Police found a stencil at the site with Schubiner’s fingerprint on it.
Background and Condemnation
Pro-Palestinian protests broke out at the Brooklyn Museum earlier this year, including a demonstration that led to arrests and forced the museum to close early, according to Reuters. Mayor Eric Adams and Sen. Chuck Schumer previously condemned the attacks on the Brooklyn Museum and its Jewish director, Anne Pasternak, according to the Associated Press.
Conclusion
The defendants face serious legal repercussions as the DA’s office promises to pursue justice. Gonzalez emphasized that the case highlights ongoing tensions related to anti-Semitism and anti-Muslim acts in New York.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the charges against the defendants?
A: The defendants face multiple charges, including making a terroristic threat as a hate crime, criminal mischief, and conspiracy.
Q: Who are the defendants?
A: The defendants are Taylor Pelton of Queens and Samuel Seligson and Gabriel Schubiner of Brooklyn.
Q: What is the motive behind the alleged crimes?
A: The defendants allegedly targeted museum board members with threats and anti-Semitic graffiti based on their perceived heritage.
Q: What is the reaction of the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office?
A: Gonzalez expressed concern over the nature of the alleged crimes, calling them a "deeply disturbing violation meant to intimidate, terrorize, and instill fear."
