A man from Minnesota was taken under arrest for making alarming threats against Temple Israel, a synagogue located in Minneapolis, following several menacing phone calls made to the place of worship.
Events kicked off on September 11 when staff at Temple Israel reported to the Minneapolis Police Department about the receipt of multiple threatening calls. The caller threatened to 'shoot up' the synagogue, which prompted immediate action from law enforcement.
To proactively address safety concerns surrounding the Jewish community, especially with the approach of the Jewish New Year and the first anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, police increased their presence around local synagogues. Just days later, on October 3, members of the synagogue’s security team observed the suspect outside, armed.
This suspect, now identified as a 21-year-old man, reportedly fled the scene upon the arrival of officers who were patrolling the area as part of heightened security measures. He was arrested the following day, on October 4, for making terroristic threats. Although police were unable to recover any weapon during the arrest, he was booked at the Hennepin County Jail, awaiting formal charges.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara spoke on the matter, emphasizing the right of every Minneapolis resident to feel secure within their community. He reiterated how seriously the police take threats against religious institutions. 'Everyone in Minneapolis has the right to feel safe in their communities, and we will make sure our Jewish neighbors are protected as they celebrate the holy days,' he said during a press conference.
O'Hara detailed how the suspect had utilized voice-masking technology when making prior threatening calls. Importantly, he clarified, preliminary findings indicated there was no clear evidence to suggest the man’s intent stemmed from antisemitism. Nevertheless, the police chief acknowledged the troubling nature of the incident, particularly coming on the heels of the violent attacks against the Jewish community over the past year.
The increased security measures reflect wider concerns, as reports from the Anti-Defamation League show antisemitic incidents across the United States have surged significantly. Over the past year, the League documented over 10,000 incidents related to antisemitism, marking a staggering rise compared to the previous year.
Temple Israel boasts a long history, establishing itself as the first Jewish congregation in Minneapolis back in 1878. It has grown to become one of the largest Reform Jewish congregations across North America, making it all the more significant for the community to protect its safety.
Authorities are determined to maintain heightened vigilance and continue to monitor and respond proactively to any potential threats directed at places of worship, especially as the Jewish holy days approach.
