January 1, Jewish Worship Centers Bolster Defenses After Arrests Expose Threat Warnings

Wyatt’s Take

• Texas and North Carolina law enforcement coordinated to stop an imminent threat against a house of worship.
• One suspect’s father claims the charges are fabricated despite serious evidence presented in court documents.
• Authorities are increasing security at religious institutions following the arrests of several young suspects.

An eighteen-year-old North Carolina woman sits behind bars on a ten million dollar bond after authorities uncovered a plot to murder Jewish worshippers.

Officials say she conspired with two men to attack a Houston synagogue.

Angelina Han Hicks faces felony conspiracy counts for an alleged plan to attack Congregation Beth Israel in Houston.

Documents suggest the group planned to kill as many people as possible during the assault.

A sixteen-year-old was also arrested in Texas and charged with conspiracy to commit capital murder.

Police believe the group intended to drive a vehicle through the congregation.

The date doesn’t reflect the entirety of the evidence and shouldn’t be interpreted to mean the contemplated acts were not imminent.

District Attorney Garry Frank made this statement to clarify that the public was in immediate danger.

The FBI opened the investigation after receiving a tip about the group’s communications.

Dannie Hicks, the father of the lead suspect, claims his daughter is innocent and blames her online activity.

He told reporters she does not even have a driver’s license or a car.

The synagogue closed its doors as a precaution while law enforcement increased patrols in the area.

A judge set the massive bond due to the severity of the alleged crimes.

Wyatt Matters

Middle Americans believe that every citizen should be safe to worship without the threat of violence. Protecting our communities from radicalized threats is a core duty of the justice system.

Source: Police Arrest Teen In Synagogue Plot