New York
Suffolk County police say they have arrested a man for trespassing and harassing congregants of a Melville Mosque.
Accused Jordan Endler, 46 entered the Islamic Center of Melville, located at 118 East Old Neck Road and made statements regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, police say.
Endler was asked to leave by members of the mosque but refused. Police were called and Endler left the location after police arrived.
The incident was caught on camera.The man could be seen recording worshipers with his own phone, and positioning a baseball cap over his eyes. He shouted “free the Israeli hostages now,” and called the Muslim congregants “racist.”
According to the Muslim community the outburst was initially not given enough attention by Suffolk County police.
Authorities say that following an investigation by hate crimes unit detectives, accused was arrested at his East Northport home .
Endler was charged with criminal trespass in the third degree and harassment in the second degree, he is scheduled to be arraigned today.
Earlier Melville Mosque Leadership and Community Leaders met with officials from the County Executive Office, Suffolk District Attorney’s Office, and Suffolk Police Dept to discuss yesterday’s incident.
Raja Hassan Ahmed stated that his is grateful for the steadfast response from all 3 agencies as he began working with them shortly after news of the incident broke yesterday and is confident that they are dedicated to ensuring our Muslim community is safe, Patrols have been increased as well.
