Minneapolis police deploy extra patrols at Jewish synagogues after man arrested for threats
MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara announced Saturday that Minneapolis police will add extra security detail near Jewish synagogues ahead of the Jewish holy days and Oct. 7, which marks one year since the Hamas terror attack on Israel.
The decision comes on the heels of terroristic threats made against Temple Israel, which resulted in the arrest of one person.
On Sept. 11, staff at Temple Israel reported to MPD that someone had called the temple multiple times threatening to "shoot up" Temple Israel, said a press release. MPD immediately opened an investigation into the calls.
"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," said O'Hara.
On Thursday, an officer working a special detail at Temple Israel was notified by security that there was a man outside who they saw with a firearm. Police say the man fled before they were able to arrest him.
Police say they later identified the 21-year-old man. Police say he was also responsible for the threatening phone calls Temple Israel received in September.
"We have conducted a search in this case — we did not recover a firearm," O'Hara said. "We absolutely will not tolerate threats of violence against members of our Jewish community."
The 21-year-old was located and arrested by MPD on Friday.
"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," said O'Hara. "I am incredibly grateful for the work of investigators in this case for quickly responding to the threats and likely preventing a tragedy from occurring."
Temple Israel Rabbi Marcia Zimmerman wants those in the Jewish community to know this: "Come together as a community, to be strong, to feel pride. Those are the things harassment and hate touch."