Several of the borough’s elected leaders today circled their wagons in support of the NYPD after a police officer shot a knife-wielding emotionally disturbed man to death after he allegedly stabbed one worshiper, threatened others and lunged at the cop in the Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters Synagogue, 770 Eastern Parkway early this morning.
The perpetrator, identified as Calvin Peters, who reportedly had a history of mental illness, entered the headquarters in Crown Heights at around 1:40 a.m. and confronted students studying in the building, according to the authorities.
Peters stabbed Levi Rosenblat, a 22-year-old rabbinical student from Beitar Illit, Israel in the head. Rosenblat is expected to recover.
Cops stationed outside the complex responded after being alerted from other worshipers and students, and after several tense moments, Peters lunged at Officer Roberto Pagan, a seven-year veteran of the department, who fired a single shot killing him, according to reports.
The incident was also captured on videotape.
“The 35th Council District stands united in prayer for the recovery of Rabbinical student Levi Rosenblat who was stabbed earlier today in the Central Lubavitch Synagogue located at 770 Eastern Parkway earlier today,” said City Council Member Laurie Cumbo, who represents the district where the incident took place.
“Our houses of worship are sacred places that must be protected. The perpetrator who has a history of mental illness was killed as police officers attempted to diffuse the situation. This is a very tragic situation and given the intense climate of the moment, we encourage all people to respect and follow the investigative process as it unfolds. Our thoughts and prayers are with both families and the Crown Heights community,” she added.
Assemblyman Dov Hikind condemned the attack as a despicable act.
“I’m told that the attacker came earlier that evening, too—he was stalking the scene. Thank G-d he didn’t inflict more harm nor do more damage to more people,” said Hikind. “The entire Jewish community is impacted by these cruel and senseless attacks. How can we help but be reminded of the recent, horrible tragedy in Har Nof, which left five innocent people dead?”
Democratic District Leader Geoffrey Davis, who grew up and still lives around the corner, from 770 Eastern Parkway, which is one of the world’s most famous synagogues, and who got to know the sect’s late Grand Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson, expressed his condolences and said he stand shoulder to shoulder with his neighbors.
Davis also said the incident should be a wake-up call for needed reforms to deal with emotionally disturbed individuals.
“We need more funding allocated to deal with the needs of emotional disturbed individuals,” he said. “A special law enforcement taks force should be trained specifically in this area.”
