The New York Police Department has released surveillance footage of two suspects wanted in connection with the vandalism of two synagogues in Queens, where bags containing motor oil and feces were thrown at the buildings last month.
Police are asking the public for help identifying and locating the suspects. The incidents are being investigated by the NYPD Hate Crime Task Force.
Footage of the suspects in the New York synagogue vandalism
(Video: NYPD)
The attacks targeted Young Israel of Jamaica Estates on 188th Street and Young Israel of Holliswood on Francis Lewis Boulevard.
According to police, the first incident occurred on July 16 at about 11:44 a.m., when two unidentified individuals approached the rear of the Jamaica Estates synagogue and vandalized property by throwing bags containing motor oil and feces.
The suspects then fled on foot toward a dark-colored SUV.
A second, similar incident took place later that night at Young Israel of Holliswood, sometime between 11 p.m. and 6:20 a.m.
Worshippers arriving for morning prayers discovered the material outside the synagogue.
The NYPD has now released images of the two people investigators believe were involved and urged anyone with information about their identities or whereabouts to contact police.
New York State Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, an Israeli-American lawmaker who represents parts of eastern Queens, condemned the incidents.
“This is another outrageous example of the ongoing hate our community is facing,” Rozic said.
No arrests have been announced, and police have not publicly identified a motive beyond saying the incidents are being investigated as possible hate crimes.