NYC Antifa-Linked Journalist Arrested in Connection with Anti-Semitic Vandalism at Home of Brooklyn Museum Director

NYC Antifa-Linked Journalist Arrested in Connection with Anti-Semitic Vandalism at Home of Brooklyn Museum Director

Edited by:  Fern Sidman

In a significant development that has drawn both outrage and defense from various quarters, New York City journalist Samuel Seligson, 32, was arrested on charges related to a series of antisemitic vandalism incidents targeting homes in New York City, including that of the director of the Brooklyn Museum.  According to a report in The New York Post, the arrest, which took place on Tuesday, has sparked a heated debate on the boundaries of journalistic activity, free speech, and hate crimes.

Seligson, who operates under the online pseudonym “thizzl,” maintains an active presence on X (formerly Twitter), where he networks with other far-left extremists, according to X post by political activist Andy Ngo. This digital footprint has drawn scrutiny as it highlights his connections to broader Antifa movements known for their confrontational and often violent tactics. Seligson’s arrest adds him to a growing list of self-described Antifa journalists accused or convicted of engaging in politically-motivated crimes.

The alleged vandalism occurred shortly after a significant pro-Hamas protest at the Brooklyn Museum. Hundreds of demonstrators occupied the museum’s lobby, vandalized artwork, and accused the institution of complicity in Israeli military actions in Gaza due to its leaders, trustees, sponsors, and donors’ financial ties, according to the information contained in The Post report. This context adds a layer of complexity to the case, as the actions of the vandals, and by extension Seligson’s alleged involvement, were rooted in a broader political and ideological struggle.

Museum officials have strongly denied these allegations, emphasizing their commitment to cultural inclusivity and rejecting any form of hate or violence, The Post reported. The broader community and various cultural institutions have also condemned the attacks, viewing them as egregious acts of anti-Semitism and intimidation.

Seligson has been charged with multiple counts of hate crimes and criminal mischief related to a series of coordinated attacks on Jewish homes, including the residence of Brooklyn Museum director Anne Pasternak. The Post report indicated that the vandals, operating in the early morning hours of June 12, left a banner at Pasternak’s Brooklyn Heights home branding her a “White-Supremacist Zionist.” They also spray-painted an upside-down red triangle, a symbol used by Hamas to identify Israeli military targets, on her door. Similar acts of vandalism were perpetrated at the homes of other museum board members.

In addition to the charges related to the attacks on the homes of Brooklyn Museum board members, Seligson faces additional charges for defacing another building on Douglass Street in the Cobble Hill section of Brooklyn with red paint on the same morning.

Following the vandalism, the NYPD released surveillance footage of the five suspects involved. This footage was crucial in identifying and apprehending the individuals responsible. Late last month, the NYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force arrested Taylor Pelton, 28, of Queens, as per the information provided in The Post report.  Pelton was charged with multiple counts of hate crime criminal mischief, specifically for her involvement in the attack on Pasternak’s home and for defacing another building on Douglass Street in Cobble Hill with red paint the same morning along with Seligson.

Seligson’s attorney, Leena Widdi, argues that his actions are protected under the First Amendment. She emphasizes that Seligson is a credentialed journalist who has worked with reputable news organizations and that his involvement was limited to documenting the events as part of his professional duties. “Samuel is being charged for alleged behavior that is protected by the First Amendment and consistent with his job as a credentialed member of the press,” Widdi stated, as was reported by The Post. Widdi further argued that the nature of the charges, particularly the inclusion of hate crime allegations, is “appalling” and concerning for press freedom.

However, police sources provided a contrasting narrative, claiming that Seligson’s involvement went beyond passive documentation. According to these sources, Seligson actively assisted the vandals by helping load their equipment, driving them to the targeted locations, trespassing on private property, and not displaying his press credentials during the incidents, as was reported by The Post. This account suggests a more complicit role, which, if proven, could undermine the defense of journalistic activity and raise ethical questions about the boundaries of press participation in illegal activities.

The arrest of Seligson has elicited a wide range of reactions. Advocates for press freedom express concern over the potential chilling effect on journalistic activities, especially in politically sensitive contexts. They argue that journalists must be able to cover controversial events without fear of criminal charges. Conversely, critics of Antifa and similar movements view the arrest as a necessary measure to hold accountable those who cross the line from reporting to participating in illegal activities.

As the legal proceedings unfold, they will likely set important precedents for how such cases are handled in the future. The balance between protecting journalistic freedom and preventing complicity in politically-motivated crimes remains a contentious and evolving issue.