Brooklyn Activist Pleads Guilty to Torching 11 NYPD Vehicles

Jakhi McCray faces 5-20 years in prison for arson spree that caused $800,000 in damage

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:54am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a charred, twisted metal car part, capturing the gritty aftermath of an arson attack that damaged 11 NYPD vehicles.The aftermath of an arson attack that damaged 11 NYPD vehicles, exposing the escalating tensions between law enforcement and activist groups.Brooklyn Today

A 22-year-old Brooklyn activist named Jakhi McCray has pleaded guilty to setting fire to 11 empty NYPD vehicles last June, causing $800,000 in damage. McCray, who has a history of arrests at pro-Palestinian protests, admitted to scaling a fence, torching the vehicles, and escaping through a hole in the fence before being identified by police evidence.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and activist groups, particularly around issues of racial justice and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The arson attack strained police resources and put nearby residents at risk, raising concerns about the potential escalation of civil unrest and property damage.

The details

According to prosecutors, McCray scaled a fence leading to a police parking lot in Brooklyn and set fire to 10 NYPD vehicles and a trailer. He was spotted by an officer but escaped through a hole in the fence, leaving behind a cigar lighter and sunglasses with his fingerprints. McCray turned himself in a month later, putting out a statement decrying the harassment faced by those who speak out about 'the genocide in Palestine and the kidnapping of migrants'.

  • On June 12, 2026, McCray allegedly set fire to the NYPD vehicles.
  • A month later, in July 2026, McCray turned himself in to police.

The players

Jakhi McCray

A 22-year-old Brooklyn activist with a history of arrests at pro-Palestinian protests, who pleaded guilty to setting fire to 11 NYPD vehicles in June 2026.

Joseph Nocella

The U.S. Attorney who stated that McCray's actions put the lives of first responders and nearby residents at risk and strained police resources meant to protect the community.

Ron Kuby

The attorney for Jakhi McCray, who deferred comment to a collective of activists supporting McCray.

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What they’re saying

“By deliberately setting fire to multiple police vehicles in the pre-dawn hours, the defendant put at risk the lives of first responders and residents asleep in their beds nearby, and ultimately, strained resources meant to protect the community.”

— Joseph Nocella, U.S. Attorney

“Jakhi McCray is a dedicated organizer, activist, and community member whose work has touched countless lives.”

— Support Committee for Jakhi McCray

What’s next

McCray faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years and up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and activist groups, particularly around issues of racial justice and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While McCray's actions put lives at risk and strained police resources, his supporters view him as a dedicated community organizer whose work has had a positive impact. The sentencing will likely be closely watched as a test of how the justice system balances public safety concerns with the rights of activists to protest.