Authorities in Alabama say they’ve stopped a potentially deadly plan after arresting a man accused of preparing attacks on synagogues in Alabama and nearby states, as

well as on public figures.

Jeremy Wayne Shoemaker, 33, of Needham, Alabama, was taken into custody on Monday after the FBI and local law enforcement received reports of what they described as “credible threats of violence” toward area synagogues, according to the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office.

When officers arrested Shoemaker, they say they found a collection of weapons, a suitcase packed with ammunition, body armor, and other items that suggested he was preparing for violence. Investigators later said they believed Shoemaker did not intend to be taken alive and may also have been considering attacks on public figures.

For now, Shoemaker faces local charges, including resisting arrest and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Federal charges are expected, though officials have not said whether hate-crime charges are being considered.

The Birmingham Jewish Federation acknowledged the arrest in a Facebook post, assuring the community that there was “no credible threat” at the moment. The group thanked federal, state, and local officials for acting quickly, saying their cooperation “prevented what could have been a devastating act of violence.” They added that the case is a stark reminder that antisemitic threats and hate-based incidents remain a real concern.

Alabama has seen a rise in these incidents in recent years. In 2023, at least five Jewish congregations in the state received emailed bomb threats, and in 2024 the Anti-Defamation League recorded 67 antisemitic incidents statewide, including several targeting Jewish institutions.

Shoemaker is being held on a $150,000 cash bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 7. Photo by Quinn Dombrowski from Berkeley, USA, Wikimedia commons.