(TJV NEWS) A radical Brooklyn activist tied to the “Free Palestine” movement turned himself in to federal authorities Monday after nearly a month on the run for allegedly setting fire to a fleet of NYPD vehicles, the New York Post reported.

Akhi Lodgson-McCray, 21, is accused of deliberately torching 11 police cars in a Brooklyn parking lot on June 12, causing roughly $800,000 in damage. Surveillance footage captured him loitering alone at the scene for nearly 40 minutes before the fires erupted, according to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny, the New York Post reported.

Federal agents had been searching for Lodgson-McCray since the attack, offering a $30,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. He ultimately surrendered after weeks of evasion, during which authorities say he was likely continuing to support radical causes online and offline.

His arrest comes at a time of heightened tension in New York City, where police stations and Jewish institutions are under increased security amid a surge in anti-Israel and antisemitic incidents, the New York Post reported.

Lodgson-McCray is no stranger to law enforcement. Beyond the NYPD arson spree, he allegedly defaced a statue during a protest at Columbia University in September 2024 by disguising himself as a student to carry out the act. He also has a history of protest-related arrests, including resisting police at an anti-ICE demonstration and participating in flag-burning incidents outside embassies during anti-Israel rallies, the New York Post reported.

Authorities say Lodgson-McCray has maintained an aggressive presence on social media, where he frequently posts content supporting the “Free Palestine” cause and anti-law enforcement rhetoric.

He is expected to face a federal judge Monday and could be hit with a host of serious charges, including arson, destruction of government property, and potentially terrorism-related offenses. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.

The case highlights growing concerns about the extremist edge of some pro-Palestinian activism, particularly when it crosses into criminal destruction and targeted attacks on law enforcement. Lodgson-McCray’s pattern of behavior—spanning from campus unrest to outright arson—has drawn sharp criticism from public safety advocates.

While the legal system prepares to prosecute, city leaders are once again grappling with how to protect public infrastructure and communities from politically motivated violence—especially as tensions remain high.