Latest news with #JakhiLodgson-McCray
Newsweek
7 days ago
- Newsweek
Man Charged with Torching 10 NYPD Vehicles in Brooklyn Lot
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Jakhi Lodgson-McCray, a 21-year-old Brooklyn resident with a history of arrests at pro-Palestinian protests, has been federally charged with arson for allegedly setting fire to 10 New York Police Department (NYPD) vehicles and a trailer. Lodgson-McCray pleaded not guilty Monday in U.S. District Court to charges stemming from the June 12 incident at a private NYPD reserve vehicle lot in Brooklyn's Bushwick neighborhood. Newsweek reached out to the NYPD via email on Monday for comment. Why It Matters The incident resulted in an estimated $800,000 in vehicle replacement costs and represents one of the most significant acts of anti-police property destruction in New York City in recent years. The federal charge underscores the government's approach to prosecuting protest-related property crimes, particularly those targeting law enforcement infrastructure during a period of heightened tensions over various social and political issues. What To Know According to a criminal complaint unsealed Monday, surveillance footage captured McCray allegedly scaling a fence into the lot shortly before 1 a.m. When a police officer arrived approximately 30 minutes later, multiple vehicles were ablaze, and the suspect was seen fleeing through a hole in the fence. Physical evidence reportedly links McCray to the scene, including a lighter and sunglasses containing his fingerprints found at the location, the criminal complaint says. Investigators also discovered fire starters that had been placed under undamaged vehicles, suggesting a systematic approach to the arson attempt. McCray was described by his attorney as an "activist," while Mayor Eric Adams suggested the suspect had connections to protests across multiple cities, including Los Angeles and New York, related to immigration enforcement policies under the Trump administration. While McCray was ordered to be released on the federal arson charge, he remains in custody on a separate misdemeanor count in Manhattan, his attorney said according to the Associated Press. What People Are Saying Joseph Nocella Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said in a news release: "Setting police vehicles ablaze is not a form of protest — it is a federal crime." NYPD News on X: "Jakhi Lodgson-McCray set fire to NYPD vehicles on June 12 in Brooklyn and caused significant damage. His actions were a direct attack on the NYPD. Today, justice was served. Jakhi turned himself in and will be federally charged with arson by the Eastern District." Jessica S. Tisch, Police Commissioner of the City of New York, wrote on X: "Jakhi Lodgson-McCray, the individual responsible for setting fire to 11 NYPD vehicles on June 12, was taken into custody this morning. The NYPD, @ATFNewYork, and @FDNY identified Mr. Lodgson-McCray in mid-June through forensics and video evidence, and our @USMarshalsHQ Regional Fugitive Task Force was hot on his trail when he turned himself in to face federal arson charges, accompanied by his lawyer and his mother." She added: "To anyone who would think to harm our members or our property, I ask that you take a moment to reflect on the morning that Mr. Lodgson-McCray just had…" FILE - A line of police cars are parked along a street in Times Square, Thursday, Dec. 29, 2016, in New York. FILE - A line of police cars are parked along a street in Times Square, Thursday, Dec. 29, 2016, in New York. AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File What Happens Next Lodgson-McCray's case will proceed through the federal court system, where he faces potentially significant penalties if convicted. Reporting from the Associated Press contributed to this article.
New York Post
21-07-2025
- New York Post
Alleged anti-Israel arsonist accused of torching 11 NYPD cars arrested by feds: sources
An alleged anti-Israel menace accused of torching nearly a dozen NYPD cars was arrested by the feds Monday after a month-long manhunt, law enforcement sources told The Post. Jakhi Lodgson-McCray, 21, turned himself in to authorities after cops alleged the 'Free Palestine' protester set fire to 11 squad cars in a Brooklyn parking lot on June 12 — causing at least $800,000 in damage, the sources said. He turned himself into the feds and is expected to go before a federal judge later Monday, sources said. 3 Jakhi Lodgson-McCray is suspected in the arson fire of 11 NYPD vehicles and damage to a Columbia University statue. DCPI It comes after the NYPD had blasted out his photo in the wake of the fiery saga and offered up a $30,000 reward for details on his whereabouts. 'We have him on video for about 40 minutes prior to the incident. He is by himself, and, like I said, a substantial video canvass after the fact, where we track him all the way back to Manhattan,' NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said last month. In addition to the arson attack, the suspect — who already had a string of protest-related arrests to his name — also allegedly wrecked a statue during a rowdy Columbia University protest last September, police said. 'He's also wanted for a criminal mischief incident in Columbia University back in September, where he disguised himself as a student and caused over $1,000 of damage to a statue on the campus,' Kenny said. 'We believe, based on his social media, that he's very active in the protest community, involving the Free Palestine movement.' 3 Police said 11 NYPD vehicles torched in Brooklyn on June 12 will cost at least $800,000 to replace. Gabriella Bass 3 Surveillance footage captured the suspect walking into a local bodega after allegedly torching NYPD cars. DCPI Lodgson-McCray's arrest history dates back to January 2023, according to records. He was also previously busted for resisting arrest at an anti-ICE protest earlier year, as well as a series of protest-related busts that included burning a flag at a city embassy and at several anti-Israeli demonstrations.
New York Post
26-06-2025
- New York Post
30K reward offered for details on alleged anti-Israel arsonist accused of torching 11 NYPD cars
A $30,000 reward is being offered on the whereabouts of the anti-Israel menace accused of torching nearly a dozen NYPD cars and causing $800,000 in damages in Brooklyn earlier in the month. Jakhi Lodgson-McCray, 21, who has been arrested a number of times at protests, allegedly set fire to 11 cop cars in a Bushwick parking lot on June 12 — and has not been seen since, cops said. 3 A $30,000 reward is being offered on the whereabouts of alleged firebug Jakhi Lodgson-McCray. DCPI Numerous law enforcement agencies — NYPD Crime Stoppers, US Marshals and ATF — are offering reward money for the accused firebug's arrest and conviction, the NYPD announced Wednesday. Lodgson-McCray also allegedly destroyed a statue, leading to over $1,000 in damage during a protest at Columbia University in September, according to the NYPD. 3 Jakhi Lodgson-McCray allegedly torches nearly a dozen police vehicles. Kyle Mazza 'We believe, based on his social media, that he's very active in the protest community, involving the Free Palestine movement,' NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said after the arson incident near Patrol Borough Brooklyn North headquarters. He's believed to have acted alone during his targeted attack. 'We have him on video for about 40 minutes prior to the incident. He is by himself, and, like I said, a substantial video canvass after the fact, where we track him all the way back to Manhattan,' Kenny told reporters. 3 Suspected arsonist Jakhi Lodgson-McCray has not been seen since allegedly setting fire to 11 police vehicles. Kyle Mazza 'Several times during his escape, he changes his clothing.' 'He's wearing a hoodie cinched up so you can't see his face, and wearing a mask,' he added. 'But we do believe that he acted alone, and obviously he targeted this location because it is a police facility.' Logson-McCray was previously arrested for resisting arrest at an anti-ICE protest last month. He's also been cuffed at several anti-Israel demonstrations, according to records. Police are asking anyone with information to contact @NYPDTips or call 1-800-577-TIPS.
New York Post
18-06-2025
- New York Post
Suspect who allegedly torched NYPD cars, causing $800K in damage, identified as anti-Israel protester who's been in trouble before
The arson suspect accused of torching nearly a dozen NYPD cop cars in Brooklyn was identified Wednesday as an anti-Israel troublemaker with a string of protest-related arrests, cops said. The NYPD blasted out Jakhi Lodgson-McCray's photo on social media as they continue to hunt for the 21-year-old 'Free Palestine' protester who they said set fire to 11 cop cars last week — causing at least $800,000 in damage. He is also accused of wrecking a statue during a rowdy Columbia University protest. 'There is zero tolerance for anyone who attacks the NYPD,' the department said on X. 4 Jakhi Lodgson-McCray is suspected in the arson fire of 11 NYPD vehicles and damage to a Columbia University statue. DCPI 4 Police said 11 NYPD vehicles torched in Brooklyn on June 12 will cost at least $800,000 to replace. Gabriella Bass 'We believe that he acted alone,' NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said of the fiery June 12 incident near the Patrol Borough Brooklyn North headquarters. 'We have him on video for about 40 minutes prior to the incident. He is by himself, and, like I said, a substantial video canvass after the fact, where we track him all the way back to Manhattan. 'Several times during his escape, he changes his clothing,' Kenny said. 'He's wearing a hoodie cinched up so you can't see his face, and wearing a mask. But we do believe that he acted alone, and obviously he targeted this location because it is a police facility.' 4 Surveillance footage captured Jakhi Lodgson-McCray walking into a local bodega after allegedly torching NYPD cars. DCPI Police tracked down surveillance footage and identified Lodgson-McCray four days later, the chief said. But the cop car caper isn't the only reason police want to nab him. 'He's also wanted for a criminal mischief incident in Columbia University back in September, where he disguised himself as a student and caused over $1,000 of damage to a statue on the campus,' Kenny said. 'We believe, based on his social media, that he's very active in the protest community, involving the Free Palestine movement.' 4 Nearly a dozen NYPD vehicles torched on June 12 were parked down the block from Brooklyn Borough North HQ. Gabriella Bass Records show that Lodgson-McCray has a string of arrests dating to January 2023, including for resisting arrest at an anti-ICE protest last month, and a series of protests related busts that include burning a flag at a city embassy and at several anti-Israeli demonstrations. He currently has two open cases, the resisting arrest from May 28 in Manhattan, in which he was released without bail, and a May 15 assault and resisting charge in Queens, records show. Police are asking anyone with information to reach out to @NYPDTips or call 1-800-577 TIPS. .
