American Stole Gilded Rose from 9/11 Memorial (4 photos + 1 video)

The man who stole a gilded rose from a church memorial to victims of the 9/11 attacks has appeared in court. The 21-year-old defendant laughed as prosecutors listed his crimes.





Dakell Alcantara, 21, was reprimanded by Judge Simion Haniff for his defiant behavior. He fidgeted in his chair, smiled and laughed as his heartless actions were discussed.

"I don't know if you think this is funny, but they're going to ask for bail," the judge said after the prosecutor detailed Alcantara's alleged crimes.



Alcantara was spotted by a security guard at St. Francis of Assisi Church on West 31st Street heading toward the golden rose, the centerpiece of the 9/11 memorial. The guard warned him not to touch the monument, then continued on his way. At that point, the assailant snatched the gilded rose and ran away.





The $3,000 flower is still missing.

Dakele has committed several crimes over the past month. On October 24, he attacked an elderly man with a metal pipe. The victim suffered a hand injury. He is charged with second-degree assault for that incident.

As the assistant district attorney described his horrific actions to the court, Alcantara continued to laugh.

"Please put it on record that the defendant was laughing the entire time," Judge Haniff said. "This is just a joke to him."



Dakell's father turned him in to police on Nov. 22, but he was released on $75,000 bail.

Alcantara is scheduled to return to court Tuesday.