Michigan teenager charged with threatening synagogue massacre

A teenager in Pickford, Michigan has been arrested for allegedly threatening to attack a synagogue.

Seann Patrick Pietila, 19, was charged with transmitting a communication containing a threat to injure another. 

Prosecutors claim that Mr Pietila planned to target the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue in East Lansing.

Mr Pietila allegedly made these threats on social media, on which he also reportedly espoused neo-Nazi rhetoric and celebrated the 2019 Christchruch mosque shootings.

After arresting Mr Pietila at his home, the FBI reportedly found weapons, knives, a Nazi flag, tactical equipment and provisional plans for attacking the synagogue on 15th March 2024.

Shaarey Zedek’s Rabbi Amy Bigman of Shaarey Zedek stated: “We wanted our congregation to know that federal, state and local authorities are aware of the situation that didn’t happen because our law enforcement was on top of things, which we are thankful for.”

According to the FBI, over 60 percent of hate crimes against a religious minority are motivated by antisemitism.

Campaign Against Antisemitism reports on news and incidents relating to antisemitism throughout the United States.