NEW YORK – Two men arrested at Penn Station in New York City last month in connection with what authorities described as a “developing threat” to the Jewish community have been charged with weapons, conspiracy and, in the case, of a defendant who made terrorist threats in the case, the Manhattan district attorney’s office announced Wednesday.
Christopher Brown, of Aquebogue on Long Island, and Matthew Mahrer, of Manhattan, were stopped in the bustling transit center on Saturday, Nov. 18. Brown had a backpack, from which MTA police recovered a swastika bracelet, knife and balaclava, according to the indictment.
Earlier in the day, Brown reportedly posted threats against the Jewish community on Twitter. One predicted a threat of gun violence, while the other simply said, “I’m really going to do it this time,” according to the indictment.
He also allegedly paid Mahrer $650 to get a pistol in Pennsylvania to use in the allegedly planned attack. That weapon, prosecutors say, was later recovered in a backpack in Mahrer’s apartment. Also found there: an extended magazine and 19 rounds of ammunition, according to Manhattan prosecutors.
“A horrific tragedy was prevented through diligence, hard work and coordination between my office and our local, state and federal law enforcement partners,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement. “The increase in anti-Semitic attacks and threats cannot and will not be tolerated.”
NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell echoed those sentiments, saying protecting all New Yorkers was paramount.
“Through the collective and focused efforts of the NYPD and our many law enforcement partners, we have been able to uncover, investigate and most importantly stop a threat to our Jewish community,” Sewell said. “We will never tolerate hate in our city and we promise to hold accountable anyone who threatens the safety of our diverse population.”
Both Brown and Mahrer are indicted in New York Supreme Court on fourth-degree conspiracy and multiple weapon counts. Brown is also charged with possession of a weapon as a terrorist offense and a terrorist threat, as well as a terrorist threat as a hate crime and a fourth-degree gun possession charge.
It was not immediately clear whether either of the men pleaded guilty at Wednesday’s hearing, nor was information on their lawyers clear as early as early Wednesday afternoon.
