Anti-Defamation League (ADL) New England Regional Director Robert Trestan issued a statement on April 16 condemning the decision to release a man who was charged with attempting to firebomb a Jewish-sponsored, assisted-living facility in Longmeadow, Mass.
The man, John Rathbun, was arrested and charged with attempted arson on April 15; prosecutors allege he was targeting Ruth’s House, located near a Jewish Community Center, a Jewish private school and three synagogues. Rathbun, 36, subsequently was released on bail.
A story posted on Masslive.com reported that federal prosecutors are appealing the decision, arguing that U.S. District Judge Mark G. Mastroianni’s decision to release the suspect “appeared to be based heavily on the COVID-19 pandemic, as opposed to established bail standards.”
The report continued: “There has been an earnest movement in this state and across the country to reduce incarceration rates in order to stem the spread of the coronavirus in prisons and county jails.”
Trestan argued that Rathbun’s release is dangerous since he’s being returned to his mother’s home, which is a five-minute drive from Ruth’s House.
“Based on the allegations, Rathbun represents a clear and present danger to the community,” he said. “Releasing this individual whose DNA-evidence was found at the scene, and who allegedly engaged in on-line platforms that included anti-Semitic and racial threats of violence, undermines the safety and security of the entire community. We fully support U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling’s appeal and hope that the Federal Court will recognize the danger this individual poses.”
ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt similarly tweeted, “The attempted arson at a Jewish nursing home in MA is despicable and it is irresponsible that he was released to his mother’s home.”
The attempted arson at a Jewish nursing home in MA is despicable and it is irresponsible that he was released to his mother’s home, which is in close proximity to the nursing home, three other synagogues, & a JCC. https://t.co/ohiIqpGMMQ
— Jonathan Greenblatt (@JGreenblattADL) April 17, 2020
Massachusetts State Sen. Eric Lesser (D-Longmeadow) tweeted that he is “in close contact with Federal, State, and local officials as well as community and spiritual leaders in Western Mass in regards to the attempted arson at Ruth’s House in Longmeadow. We cannot rest until people of all faiths and backgrounds feel safe.”
I am in close contact with Federal, State, and local officials as well as community and spiritual leaders in Western Mass in regards to the attempted arson at Ruth’s House in Longmeadow. We cannot rest until people of all faiths and backgrounds feel safe. pic.twitter.com/MgSvVYq66o
— Eric Lesser (@EricLesser) April 16, 2020
