Someone emailed threats of bombings and shootings to schools and Jewish communities across Minnesota.
On Wednesday, police received word of the intimidation at such Jewish organizations as Rochester’s B’nai Israel Synagogue, ultimately finding no evidence of danger. So far at least nine Jewish groups and 25 schools received threats.
Investigators say they used almost identical language and characterized them as “swatting” wherein someone seeks to harm their target by triggering an unnecessary deployment of a SWAT team.
The Minnesota jurisdictions affected by the crimes include Aitkin, Anoka, Bemidji, Brainerd, Champlin, Circle Pines, Columbia Heights, Crosby, Detroit Lakes, Duluth, Frazee-Vergas, Fridley, Mendota Heights, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Rochester, Spring Lake Park, St. Francis and Anoka County, law enforcement said.
No threats appear to have been made outside the state.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has not named or arrested a suspect.
We are aware of multiple swatting incidents involving emailed bombing & shooting threats made today to schools and Jewish facilities. Local law enforcement are responding. No incidents have turned out to be real.
— Minnesota BCA (@MnDPS_BCA) December 6, 2023
