Stab suspect likely insane, lawyer says

The man accused of an antiSemitic stabbing spree in Monsey, Rockland County, doesn’t understand the hate crime charges against him, his attorney said Monday before pleading not guilty on his behalf.

Grafton Thomas (inset) appeared alert as he told a judge in White Plains Federal Court that he was taking Prozac. Nevertheless, the accused hatemonger’s attorney, Michael Sussman, raised questions about whether he understood what was happening.

“Are you satisfied he understands [the indictment]?” asked Magistrate Judge Paul Davison. “No, Your Honor. He understands it to the extent he understands it,” Sussman replied. He later indicated he may argue Thomas is not fit to stand trial.

“My own sense, as I explained, is that my client does not understand the charge or its import/intent. I wish I could be clearer or more explanatory, but cannot be at this time. I felt it important to state what I did as an officer of the court and because I do not want to be part of any miscarriage of justice which might arise by anyone assuming Mr. Thomas understands the charges against him,” Sussman wrote in an email to the Daily News.

Thomas pleaded not guilty to five counts each of attempting to kill victims based on their religion and obstructing the free exercise of religious beliefs for the Dec. 28 machete attack on several victims during a Chanukah celebration in the Rockland County hamlet.

Those charges could result in the feds seeking the death penalty against Thomas if any of his victims die due to their injuries, Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Krouse said.

The most gravely injured victim of the attack, Josef Neumann, suffered a machete cut to his skull and is in a coma, his family has said. Doctors believe the 70-year-old father of seven is unlikely to regain consciousness.