Police: Man arrested in connection to ‘terrorist’ graffiti written on Muslim-owned Floral Park business
Police say Andrew Niemir, of Floral Park, was arrested in connection to the vandalism of a Muslim-owned business.
They say Niemir, 58, admitted to police he wrote “terrorist” on the glass at Exquisite Ventures on Jericho Turnpike, as well as a profanity on another business.
Police tell News 12 that Niemen has said he wants to clean the window and apologize to the business owners.
The owner of the business, Sadiqur Rahman, says he’s glad police were able to make a quick arrest.
He says the act was more than simple vandalism but could have turned dangerous if someone took it a step further and attacked him or others.
Niemer is charged for making graffiti and attempted criminal mischief.
Authorities say there are no hate crime charges at this time. Police Commissioner Stephen McCallister tells News 12 the decision to upgrade the charge to a hate crime is up to the district attorney.
Rahman says he is not angry, but he is relieved.
“Our religion teaches forgiveness and I hope the person caught can take this as a learning lesson,” Rahman says.
SOURCE: https://bronx.news12.com/police-man-arrested-in-connection-to-terrorist-graffiti-written-on-muslim-owned-floral-park-business