The NYPD investigated a report of possible vandalism at a predominantly Jewish cemetery in Brooklyn, but found no evidence to substantiate the claim.
An NYPD spokesman said the department's hate crimes division was been notified of headstones found toppled over at Washington Cemetery. Police responded just before 6:40 p.m. Saturday.
Police said Sunday that they found no evidence of vandalism at the Mapleton cemetery, where they found 42 toppled headstones. After meeting with the burial ground's management, officials determined that the stones fell due to long-term neglect or environmental factors.
Assemblyman Dov Hikind tweeted photos Saturday night showing some headstones on the ground.
"More than 40 headstones were overturned," he said. "It's heartbreaking — not just to the loved ones of those who are buried here, but to all of us. Is there anything more cowardly than desecrating a cemetery in the middle of the night?"
The Democrat met with police at the cemetery Sunday morning and said authorities took the matter very seriously.
There has been a rash of vandalism at Jewish cemeteries and 122 bomb threats called in to Jewish organizations in three dozen states since early January.
Local
Authorities said Friday that Juan Thompson, a former journalist fired for fabricating details in stories, made at least eight of the scores of threats against Jewish institutions nationwide as part of a campaign to harass and frame his ex-girlfriend.
