close Would-be NYC arsonist fails to torch US, Israeli flags Video

Would-be NYC arsonist fails to torch US, Israeli flags

 A would-be arsonist was caught on camera trying to torch a US and Israeli flag in NYC.

Join Fox News for access to this content Plus special access to select articles and other premium content with your account – free of charge. Please enter a valid email address. By entering your email and pushing continue, you are agreeing to Fox News’ Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive. To access the content, check your email and follow the instructions provided. Having trouble? Click here.

A bungling would-be-arsonist was captured on video botching his attempt to set fire to an American flag and an Israeli flag hanging outside a kosher eatery in New York City.

The hateful act, which was captured on CCTV, was released on Friday by the NYPD, who say they are searching for the suspect and investigating the incident as a hate crime. 

The brazen suspect can be seen in the video standing on a chair outside Falafel Crunch in Upper Manhattan on Feb. 24 at around 2:50 p.m. The pita shop is on Amsterdam Avenue and about a block from Yeshiva University, a Jewish institution for higher education that is nearly 100 years old.

A collage of suspect trying to burn down Israeli and US flags

The suspect is seen attempting to set fire to the flags, inset, before trying to rip them down. (NYPD)

PRO-PALESTINIAN PROTESTERS LIGHT ISRAEL FLAG ON FIRE IN NEW YORK CITY, TRAMPLE FLYERS FOR MISSING ISRAELIS

With a lighter and a can of aerosol in hand, he sprays a flame toward the flags.

However, the flame fails to reach the flags, so he hops on a small table for a second attempt, but the table spins around, and he quickly loses his balance.

An arson suspect falling off a table grabbing an Israeli and US flag

The suspect jumps off the table while grabbing both flags, which can be seen breaking off and falling to the ground. (NYPD)

STUDY FINDS THAT 42% OF AMERICANS ADMIT TO HAVING FRIENDS, FAMILY WHO EITHER ‘DISLIKE JEWS’ OR SUPPORT HAMAS

He then jumps off the table while grabbing both flags, which can be seen breaking off and falling to the ground.

Police say the suspect then fled the scene in a black sedan northbound on Amsterdam Avenue. 

The suspect is described as having a light complexion with a slim build and between 18 and 25 years of age.

He is around 5 feet, 6 inches tall and was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants and white sneakers.

Two photos of a suspect wanted for trying to burn down an Israeli and US flag

The suspect is described as having a light complexion with a slim build and between 18 and 25 years of age. (NYPD)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

This incident is being investigated by the NYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force. No injuries were reported as a result of this incident.

In November, Pro-Palestinian protesters were seen on the streets of New York City burning the Israeli flag and ripping down posters intended to help find those kidnapped by Hamas terrorists in Israel.

American Jews have become the targets of increased antisemitic hate since Israel mounted its response to Hamas’ Oct. 7 terror attacks.

Michael Dorgan is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business.

You can send tips to [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @M_Dorgan.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *