Man Accused Of Writing Graffiti On Hoboken Synagogue: Police

HOBOKEN, NJ — A 26-year-old Hoboken man has been charged with bias intimidation and criminal mischief in connection with graffiti that appeared on Hoboken's synagogue last week, police said. READ MORE: Police Investigate Graffiti On Hoboken Synagogue

Daniel Estreicher turned himself into Hoboken Police Headquarters Wednesday at approximately 2:10 p.m., said police spokeswoman Marci Rubin on Thursday.

He was released with a summons and a court date.

The graffiti, which read “Free Palestine” in green lettering, was found by synagogue staff on a cement ledge in the morning hours of Wednesday, July 24, police said.

Sgt. Anthony Russo, Detective John Quinones, and Police Officers Chelsea Tamborra and Jesse Castellano responded.

An investigation by the Detective Bureau, led by Officer Tamborra, and in conjunction with the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office, revealed Estreicher to be the perpetrator, said a release.

Mayor Ravi Bhalla said, “I will never stop reminding the world that Hoboken is a fair and welcoming city and while we celebrate free speech, we do not tolerate any form of harassment or intimidation. I look forward to continuing to work with our Police Chief and Public Safety Director to ensure all of our residents remain safe and feel secure, especially in our places of worship.”

“Throughout the year, the Hoboken Police Department has dealt with incidents that nearly crossed the line from free speech to criminality, but when a synagogue, or any house of worship, is desecrated by graffiti, it is not just unacceptable; it is illegal,” said Public Safety Director Ken Ferrante. “I thank Chief [Steven] Aguiar and his investigators for their immediate response to this incident, and the work they did in bringing the offender to justice.”

“I am proud of, and commend, the team of dedicated investigators who responded and quickly solved this case, which had many in our community on edge,” said Aguiar. “Their efforts, and those of our officers every day, send a clear message that hate, and intimidation have no place in Hoboken.”

Police Investigate Graffiti On Hoboken Synagogue