The man arrested for his alleged attempt to firebomb a North Jersey synagogue allegedly had a diagram in his possession showing a target range of 10 miles that included politicians, military, and police, according to federal prosecutors.
The evidence was referenced by the state during an initial court appearance on Thursday for the suspect, Nicholas Malindretos, 26, of Clifton, who entered a not guilty plea on charges of attempted use of fire to damage and destroy a building used in interstate commerce.
In court, Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Gribko said there were indications Malindretos had “a tendency toward violence” as prosecutors requested Malindretos remain behind bars.
Upon searching the residence where Malindretos was staying, investigators found items like gasoline, matches, and other accelerants, Gribko said.
Investigators also discovered a diagram in his possession showing a target range of 10 miles that included politicians, military, and police, prosecutors said.
In addition, officials learned there are two temporary protective orders currently held against Malindretos by his parents, Gribko said.
Defense attorneys told the federal judge they consented to Malindretos remaining in custody for now but may press again for bail later. The lawyers further asked for a psychiatric evaluation to determine Malindretos’ medical needs.
A preliminary hearing date is tentatively scheduled for Feb. 15 at 2 p.m. in Newark.
Wearing a dark green prison uniform, Malindretos spoke twice, only to acknowledge he had seen the complaint and understood his rights. His assigned public defender, Adalgiza Nunes, did not provide any additional comment.
Malindretos is a 2020 graduate of Montclair State University, a spokesman confirmed Thursday.
“Montclair State University is an inclusive community in which its members, regardless of their identity, are supported and free to be themselves. These actions are senseless and abhorrent, and do not align with our mission and values. We stand with the Jewish community and against hatred and bias in all its forms,” said Andrew Mees, Media Relations Director.
The court appearance came one day after Malindratos was arrested for allegedly lighting a homemade explosive device before throwing it at the front entrance of Temple Ner Tamid in Bloomfield early Sunday morning, prosecutors said. The device did not go off, officials said.
Officials have not released an alleged motive for the attack.
Surveillance footage from the property at 3:19 a.m. showed a suspect who was wearing a ski mask, light a bottle with a wick and throw it toward the front entrance of the synagogue before fleeing on foot, authorities said.
Investigators later discovered that a license reader captured a vehicle passing by shortly before and shortly after the incident, officials said. Detectives located the vehicle in the nearby city of Clifton, prosecutors said.
Authorities then obtained a search warrant for the vehicle, which belongs to Malindretos, and located multiple items inside that were consistent with the suspect seen on surveillance cameras, officials said.
The suspect is charged by complaint with attempted use of fire to damage and destroy a building used in interstate commerce, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The synagogue is part of the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest New Jersey, which acknowledged that the incident occurred during a rise in anti-Jewish hate crimes and hate speech.
“Our Jewish Federation will continue to work with all partners in the community to stand up to hate, build our resilience, and promote safety and security,” said President David Saginaw and CEO Dov Ben-Shimon in a joint statement.
Just last fall, New Jersey synagogues were placed on alert after the FBI said it had “received credible information of a broad threat” to the Jewish houses of worship. A week later, authorities announced they had arrested an 18-year-old man with sharing on social media “a manifesto containing threats to attack a synagogue and Jewish people.”
Temple Ner Tamid is holding an interfaith rally against hate on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. to come together in solidarity and “stand against hate in all its forms.”
In the interest of security, the temple will be checking bags of attendees.
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