BREAKING: Police in Bridgeport, Connecticut, have arrested Austin Smalls, a 29-year-old man, accused of vandalizing a menorah built by a Holocaust survivor outside the Congregation B’nai Israel. Smalls turned himself in earlier today, following a warrant issued by Bridgeport authorities.
The vandalism occurred around 3 a.m. on December 24, 2023, when Smalls allegedly rocked the menorah back and forth until it toppled over, leaving it in pieces on the ground. Surveillance footage from the synagogue captured the entire incident, according to the Bridgeport Police Department.
In a powerful social media post, Senior Rabbi Evan Schultz expressed his outrage, noting that the menorah was handcrafted by the grandfather of children who grew up attending the synagogue. “He built this menorah as a gift to the synagogue, crafted by his own two hands,” Schultz wrote, emphasizing the emotional toll of the act.
Hours after the vandalism, Smalls was apprehended by police in connection with an unrelated incident several miles away, reportedly still wearing the same clothing and driving the same vehicle seen in the surveillance footage. Authorities confirmed that the vandalism incident had not yet been reported at the time of his arrest.
Smalls faces charges of third-degree criminal mischief and disorderly conduct. Following his arrest, a judge ordered him to stay away from the synagogue. He is currently free on a promise to appear and is scheduled for a court hearing on February 10, 2024.
This incident has sparked outrage within the community, with many expressing solidarity with the synagogue and its members. The act of vandalism is not just a crime; it is a blow to the values of respect and remembrance that are vital to the fabric of the community.
As the situation develops, local authorities are urging community members to report any suspicious activities. The Bridgeport Police Department is continuing its investigation, and additional charges may be forthcoming.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.
