N.J. Police Nab Suspected Shul Firebomber

Police in northern New Jersey on Tuesday arrested a teenager suspected in two arson attacks against local synagogues earlier this month, including one that left a rabbi injured and his family running for their lives.

According to reports, authorities tracked Anthony M. Graziano, described as a 19-year-old "loner" who lives with his mother and siblings, through surveillance footage showing him purchasing the components for the molotov cocktails used in one of the attacks.

"There's no question he did both... He probably went about the [firebombing] incident in a different way based on the results of the [first attack]" that resulted in minimal damage, said Prosecutor John Mollinelli, noting the suspect's alleged antisemitic motivations.

"We have no doubt that this was directly the result of Graziano's hatred for people of the Jewish faith."

Detectives cracked the case after zeroing in on a Saddle Brook Wal-Mart that sold raspberry Crush soda bottles, duct tape, motor oil and hair spray, all of which were used to make the homemade firebombs hurled at Congregation Beth El in Rutherford on January 11. Video footage obtained from the store shows Graziano purchasing all of the items in question two days prior to the attack.

Rabbi Nosson Schuman, who suffered light burns trying to extinguish the flames in his home attached to the synagogue, expressed gratitude to the law enforcement officers who captured Graziano.

"The great fear he brought is lifted off our shoulders," he said. "We’re really glad they caught him. It’s not only a benefit for us but for the whole tri-state area."

Police charged Graziano with a multitude of crimes including nine counts of first degree attempted murder, first degree aggravated arson, and first degree bias intimidation, while setting his bail at $5 million with no ten percent option.

If convicted, he likely faces between 40 and 80 years in prison, Mollinelli said.

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