INDIANAPOLIS, IN – A woman was arrested after allegedly driving her vehicle into a building she mistakenly believed was a Jewish school, according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD). The incident occurred over the weekend and is being investigated as a potential hate crime.
The building, reportedly used by the Israelite School of Universal and Practical Knowledge, was struck around 11:30 p.m. on Friday. On the scene, officers encountered 34-year-old Ruba Almaghtheh, who had reversed her car into the structure while it was occupied by several adults and children.
The police have classified Almaghtheh’s actions as a “terrorist” act. Almaghtheh reportedly told officers she had been watching news coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict and was upset by the “Hebrew Israelite” emblem displayed on the building’s exterior, prompting her to assault the structure.
Almaghtheh confessed to intentionally crashing into the building and also mentioned her ties to Palestine. The Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council has issued a statement on the matter, stating they are working closely with law enforcement.
Despite the fact that a Jewish institution was not the target, the Council stressed the importance of maintaining security protocols and staying vigilant of suspicious activities. The IMPD has also reached out to the local FBI to assist in the ongoing investigation.