An Alabama resident has been apprehended following revelations of a chilling plot targeting synagogues across the state and its neighbors. Authorities say the arrest averted potential acts of violence.
Jeremy Wayne Shoemaker, aged 33 and hailing from Needham, was detained after the FBI, alongside local law enforcement, was alerted to “credible threats of violence” against several synagogues. This was confirmed in a news release from the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday.
“Thanks to swift action, likely acts of violence were prevented before they could occur,” stated the sheriff’s office, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Upon searching Shoemaker’s residence, investigators confiscated an alarming cache of weapons, a suitcase overflowing with ammunition, body armor, and other items believed to be linked to the thwarted plans.
Shoemaker, whose bruised appearance in his mugshot was attributed to resisting arrest, was found to have amassed a significant amount of ammunition. According to Clarke County Sheriff DeWayne Smith, “Some of it was old, some new,” and the suspect possessed a recently acquired assault rifle. “He had extended magazines loaded and ready to use,” Sheriff Smith told FOX10 WALA, suggesting a readiness to execute his violent intentions.
“He had stockpiled some ammunition, some of it was old, some of it was new,” Clarke County Sheriff DeWayne Smith told FOX10 WALA. “He had a newly purchased assault rifle, he had extended magazines which were loaded, and the way that the ammo was fixed was like he was ready to go and utilize it somewhere.”
Investigators seized weapons, more than a suitcase full of ammunition, body armor and other items from Shoemaker’s residence. Authorities said the items were related to the alleged plans of violence. (Clarke County Sheriffs Office)
The investigation further revealed that Shoemaker did not plan on being taken alive, according to the sheriff’s office.
“He had planned to shoot it out with the police, but due to tactics, he was unable to do so,” Smith said, adding that the bruises seen in Shoemaker’s mugshot were sustained while he resisted arrest.
Shoemaker was also accused of potentially planning attacks on public figures. Authorities could not immediately release the names of any figures Shoemaker was allegedly targeting due to the ongoing investigation. The names of the synagogues he allegedly planned to target were also not immediately provided.
Shoemaker was charged with resisting arrest and certain persons forbidden to possess a firearm. Additional federal charges are likely, authorities said.
Shoemaker was being held on $150,000 cash bond. He was due to appear in court on Nov. 7.
