Federal authorities have arrested a man after they thwarted an attempt to bomb a South Florida synagogue.
The FBI apprehended the suspect, identified as Joseph Medina, 40, on Friday. He is charged with attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction on the Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center.
Miami US attorney’s office spokesperson Sarah Schall confirmed that a “national security-related” had been made on Friday, in an email to The Independent. Ms Schall added that there is “no current threat to public safety associated with this arrest.”
More information will be released after the suspect makes his initial appearance before a Miami federal judge Monday afternoon.
Leaders of the Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center thanked law enforcement in a statement posted to their Facebook page. They said they are working with security contractor to evaluate their security protocols.
“We all share in the responsibility for our congregation’s and community’s security,” the statement read. “We urge you to always and immediately report any suspicious activity, persons or objects to synagogue staff or the police.”
“In other words, ‘If You See Something, Say Something’.”
The Miami Herald says Mr Medina has had minor brushes with the law in the past. But in 2012, he was reportedly charged with aggravated stalking after repeatedly sending threatening texts to a south Florida family and their church. Despite a temporary order of protection, Mr Medina had sent the family at least 50 texts - one of which included a threat to bomb them and "rampage" the church.
Mr Media was described as anti-Semitic by police officials following his Friday arrest.
Florida congresswoman and head of the chair of the Democratic National Committee Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who represents the southern district of the state, said that the thwarted attack is a “harsh reminder” of “bigotry and violence.”
“As a community and a nation,” she said, “we must work together to confront this kind of hatred."
