Report: FBI stopped attack on Jewish center near Miami - Tova Dvorin

by Tova Dvorin

Suspect had planned on throwing an explosive into an area filled with Jews praying on Passover.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) foiled a planned attack on a Jewish center in the Miami, FL area, sources told local news there Monday, after setting up a sting Friday night. 

The suspect, who reportedly is a convert to Islam, had been planning on throwing an explosive device over the wall of the Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center. 

Agents posed as fellow terrorists set the suspect up in a sting operation, the source told 7News - saving dozens of people gathered for services during the final day of Passover.

WSVN-TV - 7NEWS Miami Ft. Lauderdale News, Weather, Deco

The suspect was taken into police custody before any harm was done.

The Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center told Arutz Sheva that they would not be revealing further details of the case, as a police investigation was still ongoing. However, the Center acknowledged the sting Monday in a public statement:

"As you may already know from local news reports, law enforcement authorities arrested an individual on Friday in Aventura on well-founded terrorism suspicions," it said in a statement.  "The leadership of our congregation has been briefed by law enforcement and Jewish community security officials about this situation."

"They assured us that the synagogue and school were never at risk at any time during the investigation and arrest, and that there are no credible threats directed against us at the present time."

The Center reassured congregants that the area is secure.

"Please be assured that our security protocols are well in place, which includes close coordination with local law enforcement agencies to insure the security of our facility and the safety of our members, children, staff and visitors," they said. "We will continue to review our procedures in consultation with our security consultant and law enforcement officials to take whatever measures are necessary to insure the safety and security of our synagogue and members."

"We are extremely grateful to our partners in law enforcement for their professionalism, care and commitment throughout this incident, and for providing us with security all year-round," they continued. "We greatly appreciate your concern as well." 

The center's synagogue and school will be open this week as usual, they added.


Tova Dvorin

Source: http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/211621

Copyright - Original materials copyright (c) by the authors.