MINNEAPOLIS — A Minnesota man was arrested after allegedly threatening to “shoot up” a Minneapolis synagogue, officials announced on Saturday.
Staff at Temple Israel reported to the Minneapolis Police Department on Sept. 11 that they had received several phone calls from a person threatening to “shoot up” the synagogue. Then on Thursday, a special police detail assigned provide extra patrols around Temple Israel ahead of the Jewish new year and the one-year anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel were notified of a man outside with a firearm. He fled the area, but officers arrested a 21-year-old man the next day.
“Everyone in Minneapolis has the right to feel safe in their communities, and we will ensure our Jewish neighbors are protected as they celebrate the holy days,” Minneapolis Police Chief Brian Chief O’Hara said at a news conference. “We take all threats made against our religious institutions seriously, and will continue to hold the individuals accountable who threaten any of our city’s houses of worship.”
O’Hara said officers learned the man had used a phone app to mask his voice as he made repeated threats against the synagogue.
Officers did not recover a gun.
The man was arrested for making “terroristic threats” and charges will be referred to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office. O’Hara said officers had not found evidence the threat was motivated by antisemitism, but he said the timing of the threats was concerning.
“Since the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks, the worst terrorist attack on our Jewish community since the Holocaust, our police officers have been present where a whole lot of hateful rhetoric has been said against our residents, against members of our community, simply because they are Jewish,” O’Hara said.
A Minnesota man was recently arrested for making threats to “shoot up” a synagogue in the state. The man, whose name has not been released to the public, was taken into custody after authorities were alerted to his disturbing online posts.
The threats were made on social media platforms, where the man expressed his intent to carry out a violent attack on the synagogue. The posts were reported to law enforcement, who quickly launched an investigation into the matter.
The man’s arrest serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of violence against religious institutions in the United States. In recent years, there has been a rise in hate crimes targeting religious minorities, including Jewish communities.
The incident also highlights the importance of vigilance and reporting suspicious behavior. In this case, quick action by concerned individuals helped prevent a potential tragedy from occurring.
Authorities have not released any information about the man’s motives for making the threats, but they are treating the incident as a serious matter. The man is facing charges of making terroristic threats and could potentially face additional charges as the investigation unfolds.
In response to the arrest, leaders in the local Jewish community have expressed gratitude for law enforcement’s swift action. They have also emphasized the need for continued vigilance and security measures to protect against future threats.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the need for unity and solidarity in the face of hate and violence. It is crucial for all members of society to stand together against intolerance and extremism, and to work towards creating a safer and more inclusive community for all.
