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A 23-year-old man from Troy, Novel Carter Jr., faces hate crime charges after allegedly making threats and using anti-Semitic slurs against an Albany County employee. The incident occurred on January 5, 2026, when the employee, who was wearing a yarmulke, was walking along North Pearl Street during a lunch break. According to the Albany County Sheriff’s Office, Carter exited a vehicle and aggressively approached the victim, making verbal threats to shoot and kill them while using anti-Semitic language.
Carter was arrested on January 13, 2026, and charged with aggravated harassment as a hate crime and menacing. He is currently held at the Albany County Correctional Facility and is scheduled for arraignment in Albany City Criminal Court on January 14, 2026. Albany County Sheriff Craig D. Apple Sr. announced the arrest, highlighting the seriousness of hate crimes in the community.
The incident has sparked concern among local leaders, who have gathered to denounce the noticeable rise in hate crimes in the area. Authorities continue to investigate the case as Carter awaits his court appearance.