Man charged in Miami Beach hate-crime robbery after alleged antisemitic slur and assault, police say
A 33‑year‑old homeless man is facing hate‑crime charges after allegedly directing an antisemitic slur at a Jewish day school teacher, then slapping her in the back of the head and spitting in her face before stealing her cellphone, Miami Beach police said.
Slemons Graves, charged with strong‑arm robbery and battery with prejudice, is accused of attacking the woman near Lehrman Community Day School about 7:40 a.m. Tuesday in the 500 block of 77th Street, police said. The school offers preschool through 5th grade with dual academics and Jewish studies.
Cellphone smashed during attack
Police said Graves smashed the victim's cellphone, shattering it. The teacher, wearing a Star of David necklace, fled to the school, where a coworker contacted police.
Graves, who police said is homeless, was arrested around 11 a.m. after investigators spotted him nearby. He confessed to the crime, according to police, and was booked into jail.
The victim was verbally and physically assaulted after parking her vehicle, and while walking toward the school, police said.
Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner hopes to meet with victim
"It's horrific," Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner said. "There's so much antisemitism going around the world, but you hear our residents and visitors tell me all the time, 'Miami Beach, they feel is the safest place for Jews in America' and then to have something like this, but it's a homeless individual who's well known to police."
Meiner said he's hoping to meet with the teacher to show the city's unwavering support, and he's asked the State Attorney's Office to prosecute Graves to the fullest extent of the law.
"I wear a kippah. I wear sneakers that have the Star of David on it," Meiner said, "And people do feel safer, and they should feel. I believe this was an outlier of a person who probably, based on his criminal record, homeless individual, unfortunately, probably has some mental illness that hopefully he'll get treated for."
Rabbi Bixon of the Beth Israel congregation in Miami Beach agreed that while antisemitism is on the rise across the U.S., Miami Beach is still a safe zone.
"I think being visibly Jewish is not a concern for any one of us," Bixon said.
Attack condemned by police, commissioner
"It's important to note that the victim was wearing a Star of David on her necklace, and that's how we believe the offender labeled her in the Jewish community – and this attack – this is not something that we tolerate," police spokesperson Chris Bess said.
In a news release, Chief Wayne A. Jones said his department has "zero tolerance for acts of hate, violence, or intimidation in our community."
"The swift arrest in this case reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting our residents, visitors, and faith‑based institutions," Jones said. "Miami Beach will always stand firmly against antisemitism and any form of hate."
Miami Beach Commissioner David Suarez called the attack "sick and disgusting."
Suarez said hate‑motivated crimes appear to be increasing.
"Unfortunately, it's starting to highlight a broader trend globally of antisemitism, and what I love about Miami Beach is Miami Beach is a safe place for Jews. It's really a Jew haven," Suarez said.
He added: "Hate has no place in Miami Beach, not on our streets, certainly not in our schools, and this sort of antisemitic attack is disgusting, unacceptable, and it will never be tolerated here."