WEST HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (VINnews) — Lakeview man was arrested after allegedly trying to set fire to a Long Island synagogue late Wednesday night, attempting to push a burning lawn sign beneath its door before setting a nearby bush ablaze, Nassau County police said.

Azzm Khan, 29, was arrested after the incident at Young Israel of West Hempstead, located at 630 Hempstead Ave., at approximately 11:30 p.m. Oct. 21, according to a police department news release.

The incident began at nearby Hall’s Pond Park, at 831 Hempstead Ave., where a witness reported seeing a man breaking the side mirror of a Nassau County Police Department Auxiliary vehicle and called 911.

While officers searched for the suspect, another man approached them and reported seeing someone lighting a fire nearby, police said. Officers then responded to the synagogue, where they found Khan and a bush actively burning.

According to detectives, Khan had taken a lawn sign from the area and set it on fire. He allegedly attempted to shove the burning sign beneath the synagogue’s door before placing it in a bush, causing the bush to catch fire. He then returned to the synagogue entrance and repeatedly kicked the door, causing damage, police said.

Investigators also determined that Khan was responsible for damaging the auxiliary police vehicle, according to the department. He was arrested without further incident.

Khan was charged with two counts of third-degree criminal mischief, third-degree arson and fifth-degree arson. He was arraigned Thursday, Oct. 22, at First District Court in Hempstead.

The investigation remains ongoing, police said, adding that there were no known active threats to the community at the time of the announcement.

Nassau County Legislator Olena Nicks, a Democrat representing Uniondale, condemned the incident and expressed support for the congregation.

“An attack on any place where our neighbors gather to pray is an attack on the whole of our community, and I condemn it without reservation,” Nicks said.

She said Nassau County police were working alongside other law enforcement agencies to protect the congregation and surrounding neighborhood, and thanked officers for their response.

“To the rabbi, the leadership, and every member of Young Israel: You are not alone,” Nicks said. “West Hempstead is a community that looks out for one another, and the people of the Fifth District stand with you.”

Nicks urged anyone with information about the incident to contact the Nassau County Police Department’s Fifth Precinct at 516-849-0266 or the department’s Hate and Bias Hotline at 516-500-0657.

The congregation’s security committee was also reported to be coordinating with law enforcement and reviewing security procedures following the incident.

Police have not publicly identified a motive for the alleged attack or announced a hate-crime charge. The allegations against Khan have not been proven in court.