HATE CAUGHT ON CAMERA? NYPD Releases Video of 4 Suspects Wanted in the Spray painting of Swastikas on Synagogues
By Staff Reporter
Queens Voice
May 6, 2026
QUEENS, NY - Four suspects have been identified in connection with the spray painting of swastikas on synagogues in Rego Park. The NYPD is asking for the public’s help in tracking down these suspects in this hate crime that has unnerved Queens residents.
According to police, the incidents all took place within the confines of the 112 Precinct over a short period of time, raising serious concerns about targeted vandalism against Jewish communities in New York City.
The timeline is what stands out most. In the early morning hours of May 4, 2026, several locations across Rego Park and Forest Hills were vandalized with swastikas and antisemitic messages.
At approximately 1:17 am, suspects allegedly spray-painted hateful symbols on a building located at 64-85 Saunders Street. Just minutes later, around 1:34 a.m., another synagogue on 108th Street was targeted in a similar fashion.
By 1:36 a.m., a nearby resident reported waking up to a loud noise—only to discover that her window had been defaced with a swastika.
Later that morning, additional incidents were discovered. A homeowner found their garage door marked with antisemitic graffiti near 110th Street and 68th Avenue. In another case, a parked vehicle was vandalized overnight with similar symbols.
Despite the disturbing nature of these crimes, authorities confirmed that no physical injuries were reported.
Investigators say surveillance video may be key in solving the case. Footage reportedly shows four individuals approaching a synagogue in Rego Park shortly after 1:00 a.m., crouching near the building, and then quickly fleeing.
Roughly a mile away in Forest Hills, similar footage captured what appears to be the same number of suspects carrying out another act of vandalism just minutes later.
This pattern has led officials to believe the incidents may not be random. Instead, they could represent a coordinated antisemitic graffiti attack targeting multiple locations in Queens.
One of the most painful aspects of this incident involves the defacing of a Holocaust memorial plaque outside a synagogue. The plaque honors Jewish victims who lost their lives due to persecution, making the act especially offensive and emotionally charged.
For many residents, this crossed a line.
People in the neighborhood have expressed a mix of anger, disbelief, and sadness. Some longtime residents say they have always felt safe in these communities—until now.
The presence of antisemitic hate symbols in historically Jewish neighborhoods like Rego Park and Forest Hills has reignited broader concerns about rising hate crimes in New York City.
The NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force is actively investigating the incidents and working to identify the four individuals captured on surveillance video.
City leaders have also stepped in. Julie Menin visited the affected areas, speaking with both residents and law enforcement officials. She described the incidents as “completely unacceptable,” emphasizing the need for swift action and accountability.
As the investigation continues, community advocates are calling for stronger preventative measures. These include increased security at synagogues and other religious institutions, as well as expanded educational programs aimed at combating antisemitism.
The NYPD is urging anyone with information about these antisemitic vandalism incidents in Queens to come forward. Even small details could help investigators piece together what happened during those early morning hours.
For now, the communities of Rego Park and Forest Hills remain on edge—but also united in their response: that hate, in any form, will not be tolerated.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/, on X @NYPDTips.
All calls are confidential.
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