The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh is aware of federal charges unsealed today against an Erie man accused of transmitting online threats to injure the Jewish community, including a stated threat to bring a firearm to a synagogue.

This is not an isolated event. It reflects a broader pattern of antisemitic rhetoric escalating into specific, targeted threats of violence against Jewish people and Jewish institutions — threats designed to intimidate and to make Jewish community members question their safety in the places where they gather and pray.

“We are grateful to the FBI’s Pittsburgh Division and Erie Resident Agency for their tireless work investigating this case and bringing charges,” said Shawn Brokos, Director of Community Security, Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh. “Their commitment to holding perpetrators accountable sends a clear and necessary message: threats targeting people for their Jewish identity will not go unanswered. We thank our law enforcement partners for standing with the Jewish community.”

We encourage anyone who becomes aware of a credible threat to report it immediately to local law enforcement or the FBI and to notify the Federation’s Community Security team. Check on your neighbors. Speak out against hate.