JACKSON HEIGHTS, Queens (VINnews) — A 17-year-old student was arrested after allegedly sending antisemitic emails threatening violence to hundreds of classmates at a Queens charter school, prompting an investigation by the NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force, authorities said.

Police said officers from the 115th Precinct responded to a 911 call shortly after 12:30 p.m. Monday reporting a possible bias-related incident at Renaissance Charter School in Jackson Heights. School administrators told officers that a student had distributed antisemitic messages through a school email account to more than 300 students.

A violent, antisemitic threat made today at Renaissance Charter School is deeply disturbing and unacceptable. Hate and threats of violence have no place in our schools or our community.

I am relieved that no one was harmed and that the student is in custody. This must be fully…

— Jessica Ramos (@jessicaramosqns) February 2, 2026

According to law enforcement sources, the emails contained explicit threats of violence against Jews and referenced an intended time for an attack. Authorities emphasized that no violence occurred and that the situation was contained quickly.

The student was arrested at the school and later charged with making a terroristic threat and aggravated harassment as a hate crime. His arraignment in Queens Criminal Court was pending as of Tuesday, police said.

The case comes amid heightened concern over antisemitic incidents across New York City. The NYPD has reported a sharp increase in anti-Jewish hate crimes in recent months, with such cases accounting for a significant share of all bias-related incidents.

State Sen. Jessica Ramos, whose district includes the school, said in a statement that she was relieved no one was harmed and praised the swift response by school officials and law enforcement.

“Our Jewish neighbors, students and families deserve safety, dignity and protection,” Ramos said, adding that officials will continue working to ensure the community’s security.

Police said the investigation remains ongoing.