Hoax Bomb Threats Sent to Over 20 Shuls, Yeshivas and Jewish Institutions

NEW YORK CITY (VINnews) — Multiple bomb threat emails sent to local shuls in the five boroughs appear to be fake–thankfully–however they are still disturbing.

Although the NYPD determined the threats, sent Sunday, are not credible, they have deployed additional resources to protect religious facilities in the city, as a precaution.

Republican Brooklyn Councilwoman Inna Vernikov shared the content of one email.

“I placed explosives inside of your Synagogue. But also inside of every New York Synagogue,” reads one email sent to 27 addresses of yeshivas, shuls, and other Jewish facilities. “The explosives are well hidden and they will go off in a few hours. YOU WILL ALL LAY IN A POOL OF BLOOD.”

Multiple synagogues in and out of the district received this bomb threat this am. NYPD was on scene, and no credible threats were found. @NYPDCT is now investigating the source of threats. Even though no bombs were found, we demand an immediate, serious & thorough investigation… pic.twitter.com/unuUnoOm34

— Councilwoman Inna Vernikov (@InnaVernikov) December 24, 2023

A coalition of Jewish groups in Brooklyn reported receiving at least 50 similar threats. The NYPD is working with houses of worship and has alerted Jewish leaders and community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

“The NYPD is aware of and actively investigating a number of emails that have been sent to synagogues around the city indicating possible bomb threats,” an NYPD statement said. “These emails appear to be part of another series of ‘swatting,’ or hoax threats, similar to campaigns that we have seen nationwide and in our city over the last few months.”