ByMICHAEL STARR
Updated:

A New Jersey man was arrested Saturday for allegedly throwing a rock at a school bus and fracturing the skull of an 8-year-old Jewish girl, the New Jersey State Police announced, though there is still no indication of a motive.

Palisades Park resident Hernando Garciamorales was charged with aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, endangering the welfare of a child, criminal mischief, resisting arrest by flight, and hindering, police said in a press release.

The 40-year-old was linked to multiple rock-throwing incidents in Bergen County, besides the Wednesday incident against a bus transporting 3rd-grade students from Yeshivat Noam.

The school and police said that the bus was exiting the New Jersey Turnpike at Teaneck Road when an assailant threw a rock at the vehicle, shattering a window and harming a girl.

The bus had no markings identifying it as a school bus belonging to a Jewish school, and the school advised on Friday that it would be premature to draw conclusions about the motive behind the attack.

A school bus used for transporting New York City public school students is seen driving down 135th avenue in the Queens borough of New York
A school bus used for transporting New York City public school students is seen driving down 135th avenue in the Queens borough of New York (credit: REUTERS/SHANNON STAPLETON)

“The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority,” said school head Rabbi Chaim. “Our focus remains on supporting the injured student and her family, as well as ensuring the emotional health of our entire student body. We are working closely with law enforcement to ensure a thorough investigation.”

WJC horrified by the attack

The World Jewish Congress said on X that it was "horrified" by the attack, suggesting that the child was attacked for being Jewish.

“Throwing stones at vehicles is not harmless mischief. It is a violent act that can maim or kill — a tactic we have seen used for years on the roads of Israel to terrorize civilians. The danger is real, and the consequences are often devastating," said WJC American Section chair Phil Rosen. "Too often, this kind of violence is minimized or excused. It should not be. When an object is hurled at a bus full of children, the intent is to cause fear and injury. That is terror, and it must be condemned clearly and without qualification.”