An arsonist who burned a south Florida synagogue on Saturday has been arrested.
The incident occurred on the 1300 block of East Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, where locals alerted emergency services upon noticing a fire at the premises housing the Las Olas Chabad Jewish Center.
Fort Lauderdale police swiftly identified and apprehended 50-year-old Scott Hannaford as the suspect behind the arson, thanks to surveillance footage showing Hannaford igniting Rabbi Chaim Slavaticki’s van and attempting to initiate a second fire at the Chabad facility. Although his second attempt failed, the initial fire spread to the synagogue’s kitchen, causing significant damage.
“Everything is still fresh, a lot of emotions,” said Rabbi Slavaticki. “We have to look at the positive, and it’s a time to reflect on unity, coming together, and continuing to be a light to the community.”
Hannaford faces charges of arson, criminal mischief, and narcotics possession. Early reports suggest the perpetrator may suffer from mental illness, leading authorities to believe the crime was not motivated by antisemitism or hate.
