Attack on the synagogue entrance
Nassau County police and the synagogue's security team described an attack that began around 1 a.m. at 630 Hempstead Avenue. Khan allegedly hit the glass entrance doors with a bat while trying to get inside, but the doors held.
He then allegedly lit a lawn sign taken from nearby and tried to slide it beneath the doors to set the building on fire. After that attempt failed, he placed the burning sign in bushes beside the synagogue, igniting them.
Police said Khan subsequently went back to the entrance and damaged the door by kicking it repeatedly. He was arrested without incident.
Officers had been searching the area in connection with another report, according to News 12 Long Island. A witness at Hall's Pond Park on Hempstead Avenue had reported a man damaging an auxiliary police vehicle's side mirror. During the search, a second witness reported someone starting a fire near the synagogue. Responding officers found a burning bush and identified Khan as the suspect.
Charges and unresolved questions
Khan faces two counts of third-degree criminal mischief, along with third-degree arson and fifth-degree arson. Nassau County police said his arraignment took place on October 22, 2026, at First District Court in Hempstead.
The synagogue's security team also said Khan appeared to be taking instructions from someone through a cellphone on speakerphone. Police have not publicly corroborated that account or disclosed whether they are investigating another person.
Authorities have announced neither a motive nor whether they are considering hate crime charges. Police said they know of no active threats to the community, but the investigation remains open.
Congregation reviews security and keeps services scheduled
The congregation said its security company alerted synagogue security personnel, who went to the scene. Detectives later obtained surveillance video. The security committee is working with Nassau County Police and Homeland Security and intends to review the synagogue's security measures.
In a Thursday morning notice, the committee urged members to stay alert. "This is a serious reminder of why we do what we do," the security team wrote. "We ask everyone to remain especially vigilant, maintain heightened situational awareness, and report anything suspicious immediately."
Rabbi Joshua Goller said the attack would not intimidate the congregation. "Our community remains strong, united and undaunted," he said. "Our doors will remain open and our services and programs will continue as scheduled."
First Vice President Yisroel Szpigiel told News 12 that previous vandalism in the neighborhood had been minor and that nothing comparable had happened. "There's no place for hate in our town. Nobody should have to endure something like this," he said. He also called for neighbors to protect one another, whether at the synagogue, churches or other local organizations.
Nassau County Legislator Olena Nicks said she had spoken directly with Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder about the attack. "The Nassau County Police Department is working alongside other law enforcement agencies to protect the congregation and surrounding community," she said.
Separate vandalism reported earlier in the week
Two days earlier, on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, commuters on the Long Island Rail Road's West Hempstead Branch discovered swastikas carved into several seat backs, Herald Community Newspapers reported. The MTA said it quickly removed the vandalism from one seat. Nicks condemned that incident as antisemitism.
