Man arrested for reportedly threatening a synagogue in Minneapolis

A man was reportedly arrested after making threatening calls to a synagogue, claiming he would “shoot” Temple Israel.

Minneapolis police said they first learned of the threats on Sept. 11, when Temple Israel employees told police that someone had called several times and threatened to “shoot up” the synagogue.

Police said they began investigating after learning of the threats.

On Thursday, an officer working on additional patrols near Temple Israel was told by security that a man with a gun was outside the building.

However, the man reportedly left the area before officers could arrest him. Police said they later discovered that the man with the gun and the person who made the threatening calls were the same person, identified as 21-year-old Jaden LeBlanc.

LeBlanc was arrested later Friday on charges of making terroristic threats. Police said no weapon was recovered during the arrest.

“We take all threats against our religious institutions seriously and will continue to hold accountable those who threaten any of our city’s houses of worship,” said Chief Brian O’Hara. “I am incredibly grateful to the investigators in this case for quickly responding to the threats and likely preventing a tragedy from occurring.”

Minneapolis police said additional patrols would be deployed near Jewish synagogues to mark the Jewish holidays and the one-year anniversary of the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks against Israel.

O'Hara said these additional patrols have been planned since September.

“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 holidays,” said Chief O’Hara.