Woman Arrested After Unhinged Attack
A woman has been arrested and charged after allegedly driving her car into a building she believed was a Jewish school in Indianapolis over the weekend.
According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD), officers were called to a building that is used by the Israelite School of Universal and Practical Knowledge around 11:30 p.m. on Friday. The call was in response to a possible hate crime being committed.
Upon arrival, officers found Ruba Almaghtheh, 34, who had backed her car into the building while several adults and children were inside. Police have labeled Almaghtheh as a "terrorist," according to local news station Fox 59.
According to the police report, Almaghtheh stated that she had been watching news coverage of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East. She claimed to have been offended by the "Hebrew Israelite" symbol on the outside of the building and as a result, decided to attack it.
Almaghtheh also mentioned to police that she deliberately crashed into the building and made comments regarding "her people back home in Palestine."
The Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council released a statement regarding the incident, stating that they have been working closely with law enforcement.
"While a Jewish facility was not the intended target, this incident serves as a reminder to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the proper authorities," the statement read.
In case you missed this today, A woman named Ruba Almaghtheh, aged 34, was arrested by the Indianapolis police on charges of driving her car into a building that she believed to be a Jewish school, unaware that it was actually being used by the Israelite School of Universal and… pic.twitter.com/0E3N7K3Tfy
— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) November 6, 2023
The FBI has been contacted and will be joining IMPD in the investigation of this incident.
This incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of Jewish institutions in the Indianapolis community. The Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council has urged individuals and facilities to maintain security protocols and be alert for any potential threats.
Incidents like this highlight the importance of unity and understanding in the community, especially during times of unrest and conflict. As tensions rise in the Middle East, it is crucial for all members of the community to come together and stand against hate and violence.
This attack has been condemned by community leaders and organizations, including the Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council and the Indianapolis Mayor's Office. Hate crimes have no place in any community and those responsible for committing them should be held accountable.
As the investigation continues, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI are urging anyone with information regarding this incident to come forward. Together, we must work towards creating a safe and inclusive community for all.
In the aftermath of this disturbing incident, the Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council has reassured the community that they will continue to work with law enforcement to ensure the safety and security of all members of the community.
This incident serves as a reminder that hate and extremism have no place in our society. We must stand together and actively work towards promoting peace and understanding in our communities.