Masked Vandal Trashes Popular Queens Kosher Bagel Shop on Shavuot
NYPD investigates a potential hate crime after surveillance video captured a man vandalizing a popular Jewish-owned kosher bagel shop in Queens.
Surveillance video captured a man in traditional Muslim attire vandalizing a popular Jewish-owned bagel shop in Queens early Friday morning, an incident many in the community are calling a targeted antisemitic attack.
The vandalism occurred at approximately 1:00 a.m. on May 22 at Bagels & Co., located at the corner of 188th Street and Union Turnpike in the Jamaica Estates/Fresh Meadows neighborhood.
According to footage, the suspect, described as wearing a white thobe, spent roughly five minutes destroying outdoor seating and property. He smashed flower pots, flipped tables and chairs, and hurled a heavy metal barrier at the storefront windows before fleeing on foot. No injuries were reported.
Community members point to the shop’s prominent display of American and Israeli flags above the entrance as the likely reason it was singled out, the only visible distinction from neighboring businesses on the block. Bagels & Co. is a longstanding kosher establishment known for its Israeli-owned operation and support for Israel.
NYPD is investigating the incident as possible hate crime vandalism. Anyone with information is urged to contact police. As of Saturday, no arrest has been announced.
The video of the attack has spread rapidly on social media, with many calling for increased protection for Jewish businesses amid ongoing concerns over antisemitism in New York City.