MONSEY, N.Y. (1010 WINS) — Authorities say that five people were stabbed north of New York City during a Hanukkah celebration late Saturday night in an attack that the governor said Sunday was fueled by intolerance and evidence of a “cancer” of growing hatred in America.
A suspect is in custody at the Ramapo Police headquarters and will face five counts of attempted murder and one count of burglary, according to Police Chief Brad Weidel. Police identified him as Grafton E. Thomas, 37, of Greenwood Lake in Orange County, NY. Bail was set at $5 million.
The suspect's criminal history includes an arrest for assaulting a police horse, according to an official briefed on the investigation. A lawyer representing Thomas at the arraignment said he had no convictions.
The FBI is seeking a warrant to obtain his online accounts and were scouring digital evidence, the official said. They are also looking into whether he has a history of mental illness.