A United States Postal Service mail carrier has been hit with upgraded charges after allegedly shoving a 4 year old Orthodox Jewish boy to the ground in Monsey, New York, in a disturbing incident that has sparked widespread outrage across the community.

The suspect has been identified as Gabriel Stan, 39, of Stony Point, New York. Police say Stan was charged with felony attempted assault in the second degree on top of initial misdemeanor charges following the attack. The elevated charge was applied due to the victim being under the age of seven, and comes amid intense public outrage and pressure from community leaders demanding accountability.

The incident occurred on Thursday, March 19 at approximately 6:25 pm. Authorities say Stan intentionally shoved the child while performing his duties as a mail carrier.

Surveillance footage shows the young boy approaching a parked mail truck when the mailman suddenly turned and forcefully pushed him backwards onto the pavement. The child fell onto his back before quickly getting up, picking up his yarmulke, and walking away.

Police say the suspect was identified shortly after the incident and taken into custody the following day.

Stan was initially charged with endangering the welfare of a child and attempted assault in the third degree. Despite the severity of the charges, Stan was released on his own recognizance and did not spend time in jail.

However, the charges were later upgraded. Prosecutors say this is due to the age of the victim, though community outrage may also have played a role. Stan now faces the more serious felony charge of attempted assault in the second degree.

JBN has discovered that public records and professional profiles indicate that Stan is from Romania. Stan has academic and professional experience in Bucharest. His work history includes roles connected to a European children’s academic network, a university position, and a prior internship involving database support in Romania.

Monsey, located in Rockland County about 30 miles north of New York City, is home to a large Hasidic and Orthodox Jewish population. The broader Town of Ramapo was recently ranked as one of the safest places to live in the United States.

Local officials reacted swiftly after reviewing the footage. Ramapo Town Supervisor Michael Specht said the video was deeply disturbing and confirmed that police treated the matter with extreme seriousness.

New York State Assemblyman Aron Wieder condemned the attack, calling it appalling and unacceptable under any circumstances, while thanking law enforcement for their response.

State Senator Bill Weber also expressed outrage, saying he had heard from many concerned residents and called for the suspect to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Authorities have not yet provided a motive for the attack.