NJ - Arrest In Synagogue Firebombings

Anthony Graziano, 19, of Lodi, NJ is accused of hurling firebombs at two synagogues.

HACKENSACK, N.J. — There’s been an arrest in the investigation into the firebombing of a Rutherford synagogue.

Nineteen-year-old Anthony Graziano of Lodi, New Jersey is charged with nine counts of first degree attempted murder, one count of first degree bias intimidation and one count of first degree aggravated arson for the Rutherford attack.

Graziano also faces arson and bias charges related to a similar attack in Paramus. The Paramas attack took place at Temple K’Hal Adath Jeshrun on Jan. 3.

Graziano is being held on $5 million bail.

More details about the arrest are expected to be revealed at a news conference this afternoon.

The arrest comes just days after the Bergen County Prosecutors Office released video of a “person of interest” sought in the investigation into the firebombing. Investigators say surveillance video shows him leaving a Walmart on Route 46 in Saddle Brook after buying materials to make Molotov cocktails.

Prosecutor James Molinelli told CBS 2′s Christine Sloan a receipt was found showing a purchase for duct tape, three cans of Suave aerosol spray, soda bottles and low-grade motor oil.

Molinelli said members of his department and police canvassed stores on the day of the attack looking into their databases before coming across the video.

“We don’t have to worry about being bombed and we still have to work on understanding each other and getting along better but I think this fear of attack is off our shoulders,” Rabbi Schuman told 1010 WINS following news of the arrest.

The Rutherford attack is one of four in Bergen County in the past few months.

Police say Graziano is the man who was seen wearing knit cap and riding a bike in the images released last week. Sources told CBS 2′s Christine Sloan last week the camouflage backpack he’s carrying is not military issued but a bag given out by recruiters. It’s what he put the Molotov-making items in before riding off.

“I don’t think he was the member of the ‘A’ team considering the minimal damage that was done,” Rabbi Schuman said.

The rabbi also said through the goodwill of the public they’ve raised enough money to put up surveillance cameras at his temple.

Arrest In Synagogue Firebombings: MyFoxNY.com