Brooklyn Councilwoman-Elect Blames Resentment of Jews For "Knockout" Attacks in Crown Heights

Says residents are concerned about being pushed out, don't see success by Jewish families as their own

The alleged "knockout" attacks on Jewish residents of Crown Heights may stem from ongoing racial tension between the neighborhood's black and Jewish communities, a newly-elected Brooklyn politician said.

Councilwoman-elect Laurie Cumbo, who was elected to represent Crown Heights starting in January, released an open letter Tuesday saying that many of her black constituents told her they feel threatened by the growth of the neighborhood's Jewish community — and she fears the tension could be spiking the recent violence.