FBI finds suspect after warning of ‘broad threat’ to New Jersey synagogues

NEWARK, N.J. — Officials with the FBI have identified the man believed to be responsible for a broad threat made against synagogues in New Jersey, according to multiple reports.

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Authorities questioned the man, whose identity was not immediately released, The Associated Press reported. Officials do not believe the man was planning to carry out a specific plot or that he had the means to carry out an attack, according to the AP.

“He expressed radical, extremist views and ideology, as well as an extreme amount of hate against the Jewish community,” James Dennehy, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Newark office, said on a conference call on Friday morning, according to The New York Times.

“It doesn’t appear there are others who pose a threat to Jewish synagogues affiliated with this subject of interest.”

On Thursday, officials shared that they had “received credible information” about a “broad threat” against synagogues in New Jersey and urged people to take security measures for their safety.

Authorities confirmed Friday that the source of the threat “no longer poses a danger to the community.”

Gov. Phil Murphy thanked authorities for their work mitigating the threat to synagogues, though he acknowledged that “this remains a tense time for our Jewish communities who are facing a wave of anti-Semitic activity.”

“We will take any and every threat with the utmost seriousness and we will stand up and stand shoulder to shoulder with our Jewish congregations,” he said.

It was not immediately clear whether the man suspected of making the threat against New Jersey synagogues would face charges.

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