Brighton Man Arraigned on Hate Crime Charges
Two new counts stem from attack on Rabbi
BOSTON, July 8, 2021 — The man charged with violently attacking a rabbi in Brighton last week was arraigned today on new hate crime charges and will be held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing later this month, Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins said.
New details were made public today during a proceeding in the Brighton Division of the Boston Municipal Court in the case against KHALED AWAD, 24, most recently of Brighton. During today’s proceeding, Mr. Awad was arraigned on two new hate crime charges: committing a civil rights violation causing injury; and armed assault and battery to intimidate causing bodily injury while armed. He was previously arraigned on July 2, 2021, on seven charges in connection with the attack. A dangerousness hearing originally scheduled to take place today was postponed until July 29, 2021. Mr. Awad will continue to be held without bail until that time while undergoing a criminal responsibility evaluation ordered by Judge Steven Key.
During today’s arraignment, Assistant District Attorney Margaret Hegarty, supervising attorney for the District Attorney’s Brighton prosecution team, relayed new details about the July 1, 2021, attack and the alleged assailant. ADA Hegarty told the court that Mr. Awad had been present outside the Shaloh House Jewish day school on the day prior to the attack, acting in a suspicious manner that raised the concern of a witness. That witness ultimately took a photo of Mr. Awad to document his presence near the Jewish day school.
The following day, security camera footage captured Mr. Awad approaching the victim, Rabbi Shlomo Noginski on the Jewish day school’s steps as a children’s camp was underway at the location. Mr. Awad allegedly drew a weapon that appeared to be a gun, and demanded the keys to the school van. The rabbi, in fear, handed over the keys. Mr. Awad motioned for the rabbi to enter the van; at the same time, he put away the weapon and pulled out a knife, prosecutors said.
Rabbi Noginski took advantage of that opportunity and ran, screaming, from Mr. Awad. It is alleged that Mr. Awab stabbed him nine times as he attempted to flee. The rabbi was transported to an area hospital and is recovering from his injuries.
Boston Police officers located Mr. Awad in a nearby alleyway. He was armed and brandished a gun at the officers. Boston Police Officers engaged in excellent police work, deescalating the interaction and convincing Mr. Awad to drop his weapon. Mr. Awad was taken into custody with a struggle, but without a single weapon being discharged.
A meticulous and on-going investigation by state, local and federal law enforcement ensued over the long weekend. There is now additional evidence to further support the new charges brought against Mr. Awad earlier this morning. Specifically, witnesses reported that Mr. Awad held strong biases against Jews, Christians and American culture. He had repeatedly called Jews “evil” and used other derogatory and degrading language. The totality of the circumstances indicate that the Rabbi was likely targeted due to his religion. as he stood outside of the Jewish day school, in front of an enormous menorah, wearing a yarmulke, holding the keys to the school van
“We are standing here today because we want the Jewish community to know that we believe this violent attack was rooted in anti-semitism. We are going to call that out and charge that specifically. We want the Jewish community to know that they are safe, valued, and will be protected,” District Attorney Rollins said. “Everyone deserves to be free and live without fear as their full authentic selves. It is imperative that we denounce hatred and bigotry in any form. Brighton and the Jewish community are now safe from this individual as he will be detained until his July 29th court date. At that time, the Commonwealth intends to meet its burden and keep Mr. Awad removed from the community until his trial and beyond.”
Victims and witnesses of any crime are encouraged to call 911 in an emergency. There are additional resources available to victims of hate crimes and bias-motivated acts. Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey’s Civil Rights Division can be reached at 617-963-2917, or individuals can file a civil rights complaint here. The Anti-Defamation League provides additional support for individuals who have experienced or witnessed hate-motivated incidents and also provides anti-hate educational resources and advocacy.
Community members who have been impacted by this attack or other acts of violence can receive support through the Boston Neighborhood Trauma Team at BPHC.org/trauma or by calling 617-431-0125.
Michael Glennon is the assigned victim witness advocate. Mr. Awad was represented today by attorney Stephen Weymouth. He returns to court July 29, 2021, for a dangerousness hearing on all pending charges.
All charged individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins’ office serves the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, Mass. The office handles over 20,000 cases a year. More than 160 attorneys in the office practice in nine district and municipal courts, Suffolk Superior Court, the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Supreme Judicial Court, and the Boston Juvenile Courts. The office employs some 300 people and offers a wide range of services and programs to serve anyone who comes in contact with the criminal justice system. This office is committed to educating the public about the services we provide, our commitment to crime prevention, and our dedication to keeping the residents of Suffolk County safe.