federal hate crime charges — as both sides agreed he needed to stay behind bars.
Thomas, 37, shuffled into the federal courtroom in White Plains in Westchester County shackled at the ankles and wearing an orange jumpsuit and orange slip-on shoes with white socks.
He briefly spoke with his lawyer, Susanne Brody, before the brief proceeding began.
Thomas faces five counts of obstructing the free exercise of religious beliefs by attempting to kill with a dangerous weapon and causing injuries, according to a federal complaint. Each of the counts carries a potential life sentence in prison.
The charges will be addressed in federal court first before the state’s attempted-murder charges against him proceed, according to the Manhattan US Attorney’s Office.
Thomas is accused of storming a rabbi’s home in Rockland County and stabbing five Hasidic Jewish men during a Hanukkah celebration Saturday evening.
Judge Paul Davison read Thomas his rights and asked if he understood them.
“Yes, your Honor,” Thomas replied.
At one point, the judge asked him, “Are you clear in your head?”