17-Year-Old Queens Student Arrested for Anti-Semitic Threats

Authorities say the student sent chilling emails threatening to "kill Jews" at his school.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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A 17-year-old student at Renaissance Charter School in Queens, New York, was arrested on Monday after allegedly sending emails containing threats to "kill Jews" at the school. The student, whose identity has not been released due to his age, is facing charges related to the anti-Semitic threats.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of combating hate speech and extremism, especially among young people. Anti-Semitism remains a persistent problem in the United States, and school communities must be vigilant in addressing such threats to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.

The details

According to authorities, the student sent multiple emails containing the threat to "kill Jews" to individuals associated with the Renaissance Charter School. The emails were reported to the police, leading to the student's arrest on Monday. The investigation is ongoing, and the student is facing charges related to the anti-Semitic threats.

  • The student allegedly sent the threatening emails on Monday, February 3, 2026.

The players

Renaissance Charter School

A public charter school located in Queens, New York.

17-year-old student

The student arrested for allegedly sending the anti-Semitic threats to the school.

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What they’re saying

“We must take all threats of violence and hate speech seriously, especially when they target vulnerable communities.”

— Deborah Lipstadt, Professor of Modern Jewish History and Holocaust Studies, Emory University (Virtual Jerusalem)

What’s next

The student is expected to appear in juvenile court later this week, where the charges against him will be formally presented.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of vigilance and proactive measures to address hate speech and extremism in school communities, particularly when it targets marginalized groups like the Jewish community.