Protester Charged with Arson of NYPD Vehicles

A protester with strong anti-Israel sentiments has been charged with setting fire to nearly 12 NYPD vehicles, facing allegations of criminal mischief after a recent appearance in Brooklyn.

Jakhi Lodgson McCray, aged 21, was seen outside the Brooklyn Supreme Court following his arrest for an arson incident that occurred last month.

During the protests, supporters expressed their anger, with one individual confronting reporters, claiming, “You guys are doing something you don’t like.” Another police officer questioned the group, saying, “I thought you were all about peace,” to which one protester defiantly responded, “f-k Peace.”

McCray’s arrest by state authorities came a day after he faced federal arson charges related to the destruction of vehicles.

Authorities reported that 10 squad cars and a trailer belonging to the NYPD were set ablaze in a Bushwick parking lot, resulting in damages estimated at $800,000. This incident took place around 1:30 a.m. on June 12 and was reportedly captured on surveillance cameras.

Footage allegedly shows McCray igniting the police trailer before fleeing through a hole in the parking lot’s fence. At the scene, police found cigarette lighters, 22 fire starters, and 10 BBQ Dragon Egg Fire Starters.

U.S. attorney Joseph Nosera described the act as “deeply destructive” in a statement regarding the federal case.

In state court, McCray is also facing charges of criminal mischief and possession of graffiti-related materials but was released without bail, as his charges fell under New York’s controversial 2019 criminal justice reform.

Additionally, he is implicated in the vandalism of a statue at Columbia University during a protest last September.

In court, McCray appeared in a dirty red hoodie and mask, presenting a cheeky demeanor. As he exited, three supporters obscured his view from cameras while expressing disdain towards reporters.

His next court appearance is scheduled for August 5th.