New York City activist Iman Abdul, 27, was arrested Friday on charges including making a terroristic threat, following a social media post that allegedly incited an attack on Leon M. Goldstein High School for the Sciences in Brooklyn. The arrest came after Abdul, a former youth organizer for Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and a canvasser for State Senator Julia Salazar, shared a screenshot of the public high school's location on Google Maps with a provocative caption. The post, which quickly circulated online, targeted the school due to its Jewish student population.
Abdul's now-deleted social media post reportedly stated, > "If anyone needs a public school in NYC to attack for whatever reason … Lexus driving Israhell loving Zionisits all attend here." The caption also referenced students having "gone on 'Birthright'," a program offering free trips to Israel for young Jewish adults. The post prompted immediate concern and condemnation from watchdog groups and law enforcement.
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) swiftly responded to the threat, arresting Abdul at her Brooklyn home. She faces charges of making a terroristic threat, acting in a manner injurious to a child, aggravated harassment, and making a threat of mass harm. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who is Jewish, was reportedly alerted to the threat by the department’s intelligence unit, underscoring the seriousness with which the authorities viewed the incident.
The incident drew widespread criticism from anti-antisemitism organizations like StopAntisemitism, which reposted Abdul's content and called for her prosecution. While Abdul had past affiliations with prominent Democratic politicians, a spokesperson for Representative Ocasio-Cortez's office condemned the actions, stating, "We unequivocally condemn any calls for violence and support the safety of all students." State Senator Julia Salazar's office also acknowledged Abdul's past role as a canvasser.
Following the backlash, Abdul reportedly attempted to clarify her statement, claiming she intended a "verbal attack" on what she termed a "Zionist institution" rather than physical violence. This arrest occurs amidst a documented rise in antisemitic incidents and hate crimes across New York City, particularly since October 7, 2023. The legal proceedings against Abdul are ongoing.