A man has been arrested in New Jersey after allegedly throwing a rock at a school bus, shattering a window and fracturing the skull of an eight-year-old Jewish girl. While police have not yet confirmed a motive, the attack has alarmed Jewish organisations and raised serious concerns about the safety of Jewish children, reports The Jerusalem Post.
New Jersey State Police said a 40-year-old man, identified as Hernando Garciamorales of Palisades Park, was arrested on Saturday and charged with aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, endangering the welfare of a child, criminal mischief, resisting arrest by flight, and hindering apprehension. Investigators linked him to several rock-throwing incidents across Bergen County, including Wednesday’s attack on a bus transporting third-grade pupils from Yeshivat Noam.
According to police and school officials, the incident occurred as the bus exited the New Jersey Turnpike at Teaneck Road. A rock was thrown at the vehicle, smashing a window and striking a young girl, who suffered a fractured skull. Authorities confirmed that the bus was not marked as belonging to a Jewish school.
Yeshivat Noam cautioned against drawing conclusions about the attacker’s motive at this stage. The school said its priority is the welfare of the injured child and the emotional well-being of other students. “The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority,” said Rabbi Chaim, the school’s head. He added that the school is working closely with law enforcement to ensure a full investigation.
The World Jewish Congress reacted with shock to the incident, suggesting the attack may have targeted the child because she is Jewish. In a statement, the organisation warned against minimising such violence. “Throwing stones at vehicles is not harmless mischief,” said Phil Rosen, Chair of the World Jewish Congress American Section. “It is a violent act that can maim or kill. When an object is hurled at a bus full of children, the intent is to cause fear and injury. That is terror, and it must be condemned clearly and without qualification.”
The investigation is ongoing, and police have not ruled out any potential motive.
Photo credit: Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images
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