MPD arrests man for alleged threats against Temple Israel, additional patrols announced

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Minneapolis police say they have arrested a man accused of saying he would “shoot up” Temple Israel during threatening calls last month.

Arrested for making terroristic threats

The Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) said a 21-year-old man was arrested Friday after making threatening calls to Temple Israel on September 11th.

MPD said an officer working on a Temple Israel task force Thursday was told that security reported seeing the man with a gun outside the temple.

The man reportedly fled from police but was found and arrested on Friday on suspicion of making terroristic threats. The police said they had not recovered any firearms.

The charges were filed with the Hennepin County District Attorney's Office but remain pending as of Saturday.

Additional patrols

MPD said after meeting with members of the Jewish community, it developed a plan to increase patrols around synagogues and community centers during the Jewish holidays and the anniversary of the Oct. 7 terrorist attack on Israel.

What they say

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara issued a statement saying, “Everyone in Minneapolis has the right to feel safe in their communities, and we will ensure our Jewish neighbors are protected while they do so.” celebrate holidays. We take all threats against our religious institutions seriously and will continue to hold accountable those who threaten one of our city's places of worship. I am incredibly grateful to the investigators in this case for quickly responding to the threats and likely preventing a tragedy from occurring.