In a concerning turn of events, at least three synagogues and a museum in New York City found themselves targeted by bomb threats on Saturday. Despite the alarming nature of these threats, none were deemed credible by the New York Police Department (NYPD), according to both a city official and law enforcement representatives.

Bomb Threats Raise Fear Amidst Authorities and Public

Manhattan Borough President Mark D. Levine condemned the bomb threats, labeling them as “a clear hate crime” and part of a concerning trend of ‘swatting’ incidents aimed at Jewish institutions. Levine emphasized that such actions were designed to instill fear within the Jewish community and must not be tolerated. These incidents come amidst a backdrop of escalating antisemitic incidents across the United States, with cases of assault, vandalism, and harassment targeting Jewish individuals and institutions reaching record highs, as reported by the Anti-Defamation League.

Threats Mailed to Multiple Museums in NYC

The NYPD confirmed receiving multiple threats on Saturday, including an emailed bomb threat directed at the Brooklyn Museum and another targeting a synagogue in Brooklyn Heights. However, upon investigation, no evidence of any explosive devices was found. In Manhattan, two synagogues were also subjected to bomb threats, prompting the evacuation of approximately 250 people from a synagogue on the West Side. Despite the disruption caused, law enforcement authorities did not discover any credible threats in these instances.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul assured the public that state officials were actively monitoring the situation. She emphasized that while the threats had been determined to be unsubstantiated, the state would not tolerate individuals inciting fear and antisemitism. Hochul stressed the importance of holding those responsible for such despicable actions fully accountable.

The incidents underscore the need for heightened security measures and vigilance to ensure the safety of religious institutions and cultural landmarks. While the threats may have been unfounded, they serve as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges posed by hate crimes and the importance of community resilience in the face of adversity.