Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

News

Wannabe Koran-Burner In NJ Today To Accept Free Car


By

Ben Yakas

Published Oct 22, 2010

Modified Oct 22, 2010


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


Never miss a story

 Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .


By

Ben Yakas

Published Oct 22, 2010

Modified Oct 22, 2010


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

Pastor Terry Jones came, threatened to burn a bunch of Koran's, and conquered—and by conquered, we mean ran away with his mustachioed tail between his legs. Today, he will pass go—but instead of collecting $200, he will collect a free car valued at $14,200, courtesy of South Brunswick car dealer Brad Benson.

Benson, a former NY Giants offensive tackle, was dumb enough to offer the car to Jones if he didn't start a religious war. And even though he only meant it as an attention-grabbing prank, he inadvertently spoke the one language that Jones speaks fluently. The "ceremony" is scheduled for this morning; Jones told reporters he will donate the car to an organization assisting battered Muslim women. And then, hopefully, Jones will drive his 2011 Hyundai Accent into the sunset, having accomplished nothing and pissed off everyone in the process.

The song below would be our soundtrack to Jones' ceremony, a tribute to a man who is "chasing voices he receives in his head."

Tagged

free car

koran burning

nj

pastor terry jones

terry jones


Ben Yakas

Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


MORE news

Mamdani launches new team to help NYers keep SNAP, Medicaid benefits

Nearly 1 million in the city risk losing benefits as a result of new federal restrictions.

By

Caroline Lewis

Published Oct 19, 2026 at 12:43 p.m. ET


Riders at 53rd St. station where man was fatally shot say they worry about gun violence

A 26-year-old died after being shot on the platform at the Midtown station. Commuters are rattled.

By

Ramsey Khalifeh

News

Riders at 53rd St. station where man was fatally shot say they worry about gun violence

A 26-year-old died after being shot on the platform at the Midtown station. Commuters are rattled.

By

Ramsey Khalifeh


These are the NYC neighborhoods that will get free 2-K next fall

By

Karen Yi

Early Addition: Get to know Wanda, the donkey in the Met's 'La Bohème'

By

James Ramsay

Eric Adams' NYC buildings boss Eric Ulrich heads to trial, 3 years after arrest

By

David Brand

and

Samantha Max


Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

Sign upEmail address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .