A 29-year-old Long Island man was arrested after allegedly attempting to set fire to the Young Israel of West Hempstead shul in Nassau County, New York, during the early morning hours of Thursday, October 22.

According to Nassau County Police and information released by the shul's security team, the suspect, identified as Azzm Khan of Lakeview, allegedly approached the shul at 630 Hempstead Avenue at approximately 1:00 a.m.

Authorities say Khan attempted to force his way into the building by striking its glass entrance doors with a bat. The doors withstood the blows, preventing him from gaining entry.

The suspect then allegedly set a lawn sign on fire and attempted to ignite nearby bushes outside the shul.

Police subsequently arrested Khan in connection with the incident.

The Nassau County Police Department reported that Khan faces charges including third-degree arson, fifth-degree arson, and two counts of third-degree criminal mischief.

The attempted attack prompted serious concern among members of the West Hempstead Jewish community. The shul's security personnel cooperated with investigators and provided surveillance footage of the incident to detectives.

Local officials condemned the incident, while law enforcement increased its attention to security around the congregation.

The incident underscores the importance of security measures at shuls and other Jewish institutions, particularly during overnight hours when buildings may be unoccupied or have limited staff on site.

The allegations against Khan remain subject to court proceedings, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.