In a significant development, law enforcement authorities have apprehended a man accused of threatening synagogues across Alabama and neighboring states.
The suspect, identified as 33-year-old Jeremy Wayne Shoemaker from Needham, Alabama, was found in possession of a suitcase filled with ammunition and body armor.
According to One America News, multiple agencies were alerted to "credible threats of violence," leading to Shoemaker's identification and subsequent arrest. The Clarke County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest on Facebook, stating, "ARRESTED: Jeremy Wayne Shoemaker." The sheriff's office further noted, "Last night, likely acts of violence were averted before they happened."
The operation involved the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the First Judicial Circuit District Attorney, and the First Judicial Circuit Special Response Team (SRT). A search warrant was executed at Shoemaker's residence, where authorities discovered weapons, ammunition, body armor, and other items linked to the planned violence.
The sheriff's office revealed that Shoemaker intended not to be captured alive and was potentially targeting public figures.
DeWayne Smith, the county sheriff, emphasized the importance of inter-agency cooperation, stating, "Because we worked together, youre not reading about in the paper a situation where there was a mass shooting or something, and everybodys wondering how we could have prevented it."
The Birmingham Jewish Federation has reassured the public that "there is no credible threat to our community at this time." Shoemaker is currently facing local charges, including resisting arrest and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
The investigation remains active, with "numerous federal agencies" involved, and "multiple federal charges are likely," as per the sheriff's office.
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