Woman Arrested for Allegedly Crashing Car Into Indianapolis Building Mistaken for Jewish School
ICARO Media Group
Indianapolis, IN - A woman has been taken into custody after allegedly driving her car into a building in Indianapolis, which she mistakenly believed to be a Jewish school. The incident is being investigated as a possible hate crime, according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD).
Authorities responded to the scene late Friday night after receiving a report about a car crashing into a building. The structure in question is actually used by the Israelite School of Universal and Practical Knowledge, as stated in the police report.
Police identified the suspect as 34-year-old Ruba Almaghtheh. Upon their arrival, officers discovered that Almaghtheh had intentionally backed her vehicle into the building while several adults and children were present. Almaghtheh was reportedly labeled a "terrorist" by law enforcement officials, as per Fox 59.
Almaghtheh explained to the officers that she had been watching news coverage of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war on television. She claimed to have been offended by the presence of the "Hebrew Israelite" symbol displayed on the exterior of the building, prompting her to carry out the attack.
During her interaction with the police, Almaghtheh also made mention of "her people back home in Palestine," suggesting a possible motive influenced by international conflicts.
The Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council released a statement expressing their cooperation with law enforcement in addressing this incident. The organization has been in contact with the IMPD throughout the investigation.
In light of the potential hate crime nature of the incident, the IMPD has reached out to the local Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for further assistance in their ongoing investigation.
As the investigation progresses, authorities will aim to uncover the full extent of the suspect's motives and whether she acted alone. The incident has raised concerns within the local community, highlighting the need for continued efforts to combat hate crimes and promote understanding among different religious and cultural groups.
Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with additional information related to the incident to come forward and assist in the investigation.