New York, NY, February 25, 2016 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today expressed gratitude towards two detectives from the New York Police Department’s Hate Crimes Task Force who were injured by a suspect during an investigation into a series of anti-Semitic incidents in Manhattan.

Two detectives were in Harlem on February 24 to execute a search warrant on Oliver Vukicevic, a suspect accused of being responsible for anti-Semitic letters and swastikas on the doors of his Jewish neighbors. According to reports, Mr. Vukivic attacked detectives with a kitchen knife and injured both of them.

“We were appalled to learn that two of New York’s finest were injured in the line of duty while pursuing a hate crimes investigation,” said Evan R. Bernstein, ADL New York Regional Director. “We are grateful for the work of the NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force, an elite squad of detectives who perform an extraordinary service to all New Yorkers investigating crimes which tear at the fabric of our society. The Task Force takes anti-Semitic incidents and other hate crimes very seriously, and we will continue to work with them to ensure that bias attacks are investigated as hate crimes when appropriate.”

Mr. Bernstein added, “We were relieved to learn that the injuries suffered by the officers were not life threatening and we wish them continued success in their critical work.”

ADL has documented at least a dozen alleged anti-Semitic incidents in New York City since September 2015.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.  Follow us on Twitter: @ADL_NY