Police say attack on rabbi in Bergenfield, New Jersey was not a hate crime after investigation
Police determined an attack on a rabbi outside of his home in Bergenfield was a random attack and not a hate crime.
Police said the rabbi was outside of his home on Sussex Road Sunday afternoon when the alleged attacker, 40-year-old Jeffrey Zicchinella, jumped out of his vehicle.
Police said the two men didn't exchange any words and the suspect started assaulting the rabbi randomly.
Neighbors ran out to help, and officers soon arrived and took the suspect into custody.
At a news conference on Monday, police said the suspect has an extensive criminal history.
After reviewing surveillance footage and investigating, they concluded the attack was not a hate crime.
Zicchinella was charged with two counts of assault.
The attack comes during a deeply emotional time for Jewish people around the world, with the two-year anniversary of the October 7th attacks and the Jewish holiday Sukkot.
Police in New Jersey have increased patrols at synagogues after the attack on Sunday.
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