New York City police have released more video surveillance footage of the unidentified man who threw a Molotov cocktail at the entrance of the city’s landmark Masonic Hall on 23rd Street on October 9th.
The new and more detailed video shows the moment he threw the glass firebomb, and its brief ignition. The bearded man, wearing a gray sweatshirt and dark track pants, then walked away from the scene after the arson and is seen entering a nearby subway station.
The complete video can be seen HERE on the New York Post's website.
Firefighters were called, but the flames had been extinguished by the time they arrived. There were no injuries and there is still no word yet from the Grand lodge on any damage, but I'm told it was minimal.
This famous Masonic Hall is the headquarters of the Grand Lodge of New York, and home to numerous lodges and appendant groups.
The suspect may have deliberately chosen that specific date for his attack to coincide with holiest day of the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur, the day of atonement. If so, it's likely this was an anti-Masonic attack based on the commonly circulated "Jewish/Masonic Conspiracy" theory. Believers in that mythical nonsense are all too commonplace, I'm afraid. Fortunately these types of attacks aren't very common. Unfortunately, police departments aren't always well versed in that connection, and often ignore it as a motive.
New York Crime Stoppers is seeking tips on this suspect at 800-577-8477.
Continue reading...