From the Liveblog of
Thursday, April 23, 2026
NY man charged for anti-Israel street takeover that sparked outrage
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleLuke Tress is The Times of Israel's New York correspondent.
A New York man is charged with his alleged involvement in a street takeover by anti-Israel activists in Queens on Saturday.
Asil Assaidi, 22, is charged with reckless endangerment, riot, criminal mischief, and other crimes, the NYPD says.
This is Asil Assaidi, who the NYPD arrested and charged for his role in Saturday’s dangerous car meet-up.
This type of chaos has no place in our city, and we'll continue to crackdown on anyone who engages in this reckless behavior. pic.twitter.com/QzfqHTAg0s
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) April 23, 2026
Footage from the Saturday incident showed a crowd, some wearing keffiyehs and waving Palestinian flags, igniting a ring of fire in an intersection, near two gas stations, and whipping cars around the streets.
Massive car takeover rocks NYC intersection — about 100 cars involved as calls grow for crackdown.
New video shows chaos unfolding early Saturday morning in a Queens neighborhood as mobs light fires in the street and cars spin out near a gas station, with one driver circling the… pic.twitter.com/bXMhtGzSmC
— Fox News (@FoxNews) April 19, 2026
The NYPD had released photos of suspects wearing keffiyehs and offered a $3,500 dollar reward for information.
We are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the individuals and vehicles in these photos regarding an ongoing investigation.
If you have any information, please contact 1-800-577-8477 immediately. You can remain 100% anonymous. pic.twitter.com/mzsLgh8C5u
— NYPD 104th Precinct (@NYPD104Pct) April 22, 2026
The incident had sparked outrage for the dangerous stunts and disturbing a quiet neighborhood.
The Times of Israel Community.