Three Charged with Hate Crimes in Brooklyn Vandalism

Three New Yorkers, Taylor Pelton, Samuel Seligson, and Gabriel Schubiner, have been indicted on charges of hate crimes for vandalizing the homes of Brooklyn Museum officials with Jewish-sounding names during pro-Palestinian protests. The indictment includes counts of making terroristic threats, criminal mischief, and conspiracy. The vandalism involved red paint and banners with antisemitic graffiti and symbols associated with Hamas, specifically targeting the perceived Jewish heritage of the board members. The vandalized homes included those of the museum's director, Anne Pasternak, and were situated in Brooklyn Heights, Boerum Hill, and Manhattan's Lenox Hill. Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez condemned the acts as hate crimes, emphasizing their intent to intimidate and instill fear. Surveillance footage captured the suspects, although they attempted to conceal their identities by disabling security cameras.