Man enters New York Jewish school with hammer, injures child, NYPD investigates antisemitic motive

NYPD in New York City, 5 May, 2026.

(photo credit: BING GUAN/REUTERS)

ByESTHER DAVIS

JULY 29, 2026 05:57

A youngster was hurt after a man carrying a hammer forced entry into a Jewish school in New York on Tuesday morning, according to police.

New York Police said the suspect approached a woman close by. She sensed danger and rushed into the school for protection, yet the man trailed her inside.

Security at the school blocked the suspect from reaching the interior. While staff worked to remove him from the grounds, he resisted and shoved an 8-year-old child into the fence, leading to a head injury.

The student received hospital care and is projected to recover fully.

Police took the 42-year-old man into custody at the location and seized the hammer, though it struck no one.

The NYPD does not view the student or the Jewish Institute of Queens as the intended focus of the attack and therefore is not handling the case as antisemitic.

"The NYPD is thoroughly investigating all aspects of the incident, including the possibility of a bias motive, to ensure nothing is overlooked," said City Councilmember Phil Wong.

New York politicians respond to the attack

"Violence against an 8-year-old child is unconscionable. I am relieved the victim is recovering, and my heart is with them, their loved ones, and New York Jewish community," New York Governor Kathy Hochul said in a post on X/Twitter.

"As Governor, I will continue doing everything in my power to ensure every New Yorker can live, learn, and worship safely."

"In a despicable act of violence, an 8-year-old boy was injured by an intruder at a Queens Jewish school," New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement.

"This child, his family, and all of our Jewish communities are in my prayers," she added.

Summer Camp at the school addressed the incident in letter to parents

In a letter sent out to parents, Ohr Avner Day Camp, which was being held at the school during the incident, said: "An unauthorized individual who appeared to be mentally unwell entered our campus property and walked into the front yard, where our campers were playing."

The letter went on to explain that the security guard "restrained the individual and held him until the NYPD arrived and took him into custody, preventing any further harm."

"Based on everything we know, this was a completely random incident," the letter added. "There is no indication that our camp, our campers, or our staff were specifically targeted."

Although the incident was likely not antisemitic, the NYPD is continuing to investigate all possibilities.