Suspect detained for alleged arson at Florida Chabad center, local police say

A Florida man was arrested Monday for an alleged arson attack targeting a Chabad center in the state ahead of Rosh Hashanah, local police said, after announcing that they were investigating the incident as a hate crime.

The fire at the Chabad of Charlotte County in the town of Punta Gorda, following Friday night services, damaged a children’s classroom in the building but did not result in any injuries, according to local media and community groups.

“This is terrible, but we will turn it into something positive,” the Chabad center’s rabbi, Simon Jacobson, told local outlet The Daily Sun. “This, to me, is the epitome of darkness. The only way to get rid of darkness is to enhance the light, to do something good,” he added, confirming that the center would hold services as usual for Rosh Hashanah, which began Monday night and lasts through Wednesday night.

Punta Gorda police said Charlotte County resident Blake Richard Hoover, 31, was charged with arson and criminal mischief in connection with the fire, according to a statement quoted in The Sun Coast News, a local outlet.

While police were investigating an unrelated incident involving Hoover, one of his family members tipped them off that the suspect may have been responsible for the fire at the Chabad center, according to the statement.

Following the tip, detectives spoke with Hoover and witnesses and searched Hoover’s bedroom, car and electronic devices after securing a search warrant, the statement said.

The fire, which was “primarily contained” in the room where it originated, was being investigated as both arson and a hate crime, according to the statement.

Charlotte County man arrested in connection to Punta Gorda Chabad arson hate crimehttps://t.co/TZ3c7rPtg8

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Police found a broken window in the children’s classroom where the fire originated, as well as traces of fuel both inside and outside of it, Jacobson, the center director, told The Daily Sun. The letter “J” was also found spray-painted in black in several locations on the building’s exterior and on the sidewalk, the outlet said.

The Anti-Defamation League of Florida, Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties and Secure Community Network issued a joint statement on Facebook Sunday, writing that they were “deeply concerned about Friday’s fire and vandalism.”

“Our hearts go out to Rabbi Jacobson, his family, and the entire community during this difficult time,” the statement read. “We have been in touch with Chabad staff to offer our support and stand in solidarity as they begin the rebuilding process.”

The fire occurred just days before Rosh Hashanah, but Jacobson said that holiday services would still commence beginning Monday evening as planned.

“As we approach Rosh Hashanah, a time of renewal, reflection, and hope, let this moment remind us of our collective strength,” wrote Jacobson in an email to his congregants. “This act of hate will not define us or deter us — it will only strengthen our resolve. We will continue to build, to gather, to celebrate and to spread light.”