FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – An arson arrest has been made in Fort Lauderdale after police said a parked car was intentionally set on fire next to the Las Olas Chabad Jewish Center.
“We are still in shock that such a thing could happen at a community center that is a light and helps so many different people from so many different walks of life,” said Rabbi Chiam Slavatacki.
Sources close to the Chabad tell Local 10 News the charred car belongs to the rabbi’s wife.
Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue crews responded to the scene early Saturday morning and said the fire extended into the building.
Local 10 News was told torahs were removed from the Chabad and are being assessed for smoke damage.
After the fire was put out, police took 50-year-old Scott Hannaford into custody.
He’s facing charges of both first and second-degree arson, felony criminal mischief to a synagogue and possession of cocaine.
The Chabad said it believes that it was an act of hate and they are now forced to make repairs, but police said the suspect appears to suffer from mental illness and they are not considering this a hate crime, for now.
“There’s no way that it wasn’t targeted,” said Dean Myerlow with the Chabad. “The individual that perpetrated this crime needs to have the book thrown at him. This is not an accident. Our congregation has nowhere to worship, so this is a barbaric act.”
An online campaign is underway to help the Las Olas Chabad Jewish Center rebuild. For more information or to make a donation, click here.
“We are looking forward to rebuilding and being a bigger light at this location,” said Slavatacki.