That night, five blocks away, a group of Black teens attacked and stabbed Australian Jewish exchange student Yankel Rosenbaum, who later died of his injuries. Then Mayor David Dinkins visited Rosenbaum in the hospital as the riots raged on, with groups of Blacks attacking the homes of Jews and overturning vehicles.
On the third day, activists Rev. Al Sharpton and Sonny Carson organized a march through Crown Heights. Some marchers left the planned route and started chanting anti-Semitic slurs. Rioters fired shots at the authorities and even caused them to retreat at one point.
By the time the riots ended, over 129 arrests had been made. More than 150 police officers were injured and over three dozen civilians were also hurt. Property damage was assessed at approximately $1 million.
To this day, Black residents who recall the events believe that Lifsh was treated better than Cato and that racism was the factor. Many Jewish residents still believe the attacks were unfair. The tensions revealed by the riots continue to impact the community to this day.
