Who is Jordan Endler? Long Island attorney arrested for trespassing into Islamic Center of Melville, NY

Jordan Endler, a Long Island attorney, was charged with criminal trespassing and harassment following his unauthorized entry into the Islamic Center of Melville, NY. Endler caused alarm among staff and worshippers when he began chanting demands to free Israeli hostages, prompting a police response.

The incident, which took place on a Wednesday afternoon, saw Endler making specific demands for prayers for Israeli Jewish women and engaging in actions considered disrespectful within the mosque, including rubbing his shoes on prayer rugs. A young volunteer felt compelled to hide and contact police due to concerns for safety amid recent Islamophobic incidents.

Despite initial police contact, Endler was not arrested until mosque leaders later met with Suffolk Police and presented video evidence of the event. This led to community outrage over what was perceived as an insufficient initial response by the authorities.

Endler pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, with his attorney claiming he left when asked. However, the incident has prompted the mosque to lock its doors during services and Suffolk Police to increase patrols around religious institutions.

The actions have been condemned by both the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the Anti-Defamation League, highlighting the importance of safety in places of worship. Governor Kathy Hochul also expressed her disturbance over the incident, emphasizing the need for accountability in cases of harassment based on faith.