Brooklyn Activist Pleads Guilty to Arson of 11 NYPD Vehicles
Jakhi McCray, a 22-year-old Brooklyn activist with a history of arrests at pro-Palestinian demonstrations, pleaded guilty in Manhattan Criminal Court to setting fire to 11 empty New York Police Department vehicles. The arson spree occurred on June 12 last summer, causing approximately $800,000 in damage. Prosecutors revealed that McCray scaled a fence to access the parking lot, igniting 10 police cars and a trailer before escaping through a hole in the fence. He was identified via fingerprints left on a cigar lighter and sunglasses. McCray surrendered a month later, issuing a statement criticizing alleged harassment against those protesting the situation in Palestine and migrant issues. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison. U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella emphasized the danger posed to first responders and residents. McCray's attorney deferred comment to his support committee, which described him as a dedicated community organizer.
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Brooklyn Activist Pleads Guilty to Arson of 11 NYPD Vehicles
Jakhi McCray, a 22-year-old Brooklyn activist with a history of arrests at pro-Palestinian demonstrations, pleaded guilty in Manhattan Criminal Court to setting fire to 11 empty New York Police Department vehicles. The arson spree occurred on June 12 last summer, causing approximately $800,000 in damage. Prosecutors revealed that McCray scaled a fence to access the parking lot, igniting 10 police cars and a trailer before escaping through a hole in the fence. He was identified via fingerprints left on a cigar lighter and sunglasses. McCray surrendered a month later, issuing a statement criticizing alleged harassment against those protesting the situation in Palestine and migrant issues. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison. U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella emphasized the danger posed to first responders and residents. McCray's attorney deferred comment to his support committee, which described him as a dedicated community organizer.
AP News