Monsey stabbing suspect pleads not guilty, held on $5 million bail

The man accused of stabbing five people at a Hanukkah celebration at the home of a rabbi in Monsey was arraigned in court Sunday.

News 12 Staff

Dec 29, 2019, 8:46 PM

Updated 1,748 days ago

Share:

The man accused of stabbing five people at a Hanukkah celebration at the home of a rabbi in Monsey was arraigned in court Sunday.
Grafton Thomas, 37, of Greenwood Lake, pleaded not guilty to five counts of attempted murder and one charge of burglary.
Authorities say Thomas fled the crime scene after Saturday night's attack, which left five people injured. One of the victims is said to be in critical condition at Westchester Medical Center with a fractured skull.
Thomas was apprehended in Harlem and appeared in Ramapo Town Court on Sunday.
The judge ordered Thomas held on $5 million bail, and also issued orders of protection for the five victims and barred Thomas from going near the property where the attack happened.
Authorities say there will be increased and intensified police presence in the community. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has labeled the attack an "act of domestic terror," but it's unclear if Thomas could face more charges.
Cuomo, citing a spate of anti-Semitic attacks in New York state, said laws need to change to turn the tide against hate. He said he'll propose a domestic terror law to help combat hate-fueled crimes.
Thomas is due back in court on Friday.