Three individuals, Taylor Pelton, Samuel Seligson, and Gabriel Schubiner, have been indicted on hate crime charges for vandalizing the homes of Brooklyn Museum officials during pro-Palestinian protests that occurred in June 2024.

The targeted vandalism included defacing the home of museum director Anne Pasternak with graffiti that accused her of having 'blood on your hands' and featured symbols associated with Hamas.

This vandalism followed a pro-Palestine march two weeks earlier, which had led to significant arrests and accusations of police brutality during a protest at the museum.

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez condemned the acts as hate crimes intended to intimidate individuals based on their perceived heritage, emphasizing that this was not a legitimate form of protest.

Public figures, including Mayor Eric Adams and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, expressed outrage over the attacks, labeling them as unacceptable antisemitism.

The perpetrators claimed that their actions were a response to the museum's handling of protests, reflecting a broader campaign against the institution by the pro-Palestinian activist group Within Our Lifetime.

Surveillance footage captured the suspects preparing for the vandalism, including obscuring security cameras, and a fingerprint linked to Schubiner was found at the scene.

Pelton and Seligson were arrested in connection with the incident in July and August 2024, respectively, with Seligson facing felony charges related to the vandalism.

The vandalism has sparked allegations of antisemitism, particularly since Pasternak is Jewish, although the other targeted trustees are not.

The inquiry into the vandalism reflects an evolving approach by prosecutors to handle symbols associated with hate and terrorism, as New York legislators seek to expand the definition of hate crimes.

The 25-count indictment includes charges of hate crimes, vandalism, making terroristic threats, and conspiracy, with Pelton and Schubiner facing the most serious charges.

The Brooklyn Museum has expressed deep concern over the vandalism, reiterating its commitment to promoting understanding through art and culture, and condemning violence and intimidation.