NJ teen confesses to spearheading plot to vandalize Midwestern synagogues

Richard Tobin called his plan ‘Operation Kristallnacht,’ saying he was triggered after seeing crowds of Black people at a New Jersey mall

Illustrative: A man is caught on surveillance camera smashing the glass doors of a South Florida synagogue. (screen capture: WPBF-TV)
Illustrative: A man is caught on surveillance camera smashing the glass doors of a South Florida synagogue. (screen capture: WPBF-TV)

A 19-year-old from New Jersey admitted on Friday to coordinating members of the neo-Nazi group The Base to vandalize at least two Midwestern synagogues.

Richard Tobin, of Brooklawn, pleaded guilty to conspiracy against rights, the Associated Press reported. He faces up to 10 years in prison.

Tobin said he called his efforts “Operation Kristallnacht,” a reference to the pogrom throughout Nazi Germany in 1938 that many refer to as the start of the Holocaust.

He added that he was “triggered by the state of the country” and described feeling angry after seeing large crowds of Black people at a New Jersey mall.

Most Popular
read more:
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.