MONSEY, NY — More than six years after a brutal Hanukkah-night attack shocked Rockland County and the nation, a judge has once again ruled that the man accused in the 2019 Monsey machete assault is mentally unfit to stand trial,
The ruling involves Grafton E. Thomas, who is charged in connection with the December 28, 2019 attack at a Hanukkah celebration held at a rabbi’s home on Forshay Road in Monsey. During the attack, Thomas allegedly entered the home and used a machete to slash attendees, injuring five people.
One of the victims, Rabbi Josef Neumann, later died from complications related to his injuries.
Judge Cites Ongoing Mental Incompetence
According to the latest court decision, Thomas continues to be found incompetent to understand the legal proceedings against him, a requirement under New York State law for a criminal case to move forward. The ruling follows a series of prior evaluations that have reached the same conclusion over several years.
Because of this determination, the case remains paused, and Thomas continues to be held in a secure psychiatric facility rather than facing trial in criminal court.
A Case That Still Weighs on the Community
The Monsey attack remains one of the most traumatic antisemitic incidents in Rockland County history. It occurred during a period of rising antisemitic violence nationwide and led to increased security at synagogues, homes, and religious gatherings across the region.
Community members continue to mark anniversaries of the attack with vigils and memorials, remembering the victims and calling for continued awareness, safety, and healing.
While the legal process remains stalled, local leaders and residents say the emotional impact of the attack has never faded.
“This was not just an attack on one family,” a Monsey resident said at a past vigil. “It shook the entire community.”
What Happens Next
Under state law, cases involving defendants deemed unfit for trial are periodically reviewed. If a defendant cannot be restored to competency within a certain timeframe, criminal prosecution may never proceed, even in serious cases.
For now, Thomas remains confined under mental health supervision, and the court will continue to receive updates on his condition.
The case remains a painful reminder of the lasting effects of violence — and the complex intersection of public safety, justice, and mental health — in Rockland County.