MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — A 38-year-old homeless repeat offender was arrested after police say he attacked a Jewish teacher near Lehrman Community Day School in an antisemitic incident that has drawn outrage from city officials and parents.
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Police identified the suspect as Slemons Graves, who allegedly approached the teacher Tuesday after she parked along the 500 block of 77th Street. According to police sources, Graves spat in her face, called her a “dirty Jew,” slapped her on the left side of the head, and repeatedly smashed her cellphone on the ground. The victim told detectives she had been wearing a Star of David necklace at the time.
The teacher ran toward the school, where a co-worker called police. Officers, park rangers, undercover detectives and a drone operator canvassed the area and located Graves, who remains jailed on charges including strong-arm battery and battery with prejudice.
Parents said they were shocked by the attack, including sports agent Drew Rosenhaus, who has children at the school. “It really hurts and it hits home,” he said.
Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner condemned the attack, calling it “horrific.” In a social-media post, he added:
“A homeless repeat offender was arrested after a physical and verbal antisemitic attack on a Jewish teacher near Lehrman Community Day School. I spoke with our State Attorney’s Office and Police Chief to ensure this case is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, including hate crime charges. We treat all hate crimes with zero tolerance in Miami Beach to protect our residents, schools, and communities.”
Commissioner David Suarez also denounced the incident, saying he took it “personal” as a Jewish elected official.
Police said Graves will remain in custody as the investigation continues.
glad profiling is illegal, otherwise we might have hurt his feelings
According to the left, only white supremacists perpetrate such attacks.
for everyone running to miami…
What to expect from a monkey