A Massachusetts man has been taken into custody for allegedly making violent threats against a local synagogue and members of the Jewish community, officials said. John Reardon, 59, from Millis is accused of leaving threatening voicemails including threats to commit violence and bomb places of worship, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office in Boston.
The accusations against Reardon came after he reportedly called Congregation Agudas Achim in Attleboro on Jan. 25, leaving vile messages that stated, "You do realize that by supporting genocide that means it’s ok for people to commit genocide against you," and "I supported Jewish people though, Not anymore. A matter of fact I think we should kill you(s) all," federal authorities said. The hate-charged threats were followed by other calls to a second local synagogue, and a Jewish affiliated organization.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy detailed the disturbing nature of these threats in light of rising incidents of antisemitism, "The numbers do not lie — incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia are spiking." In light of the serious charges, if convicted, Reardon faces a possible sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division, commented on the case, "John Reardon is accused of using his words as a weapon, leaving a threatening message to frighten members of the Congregation Agudas Achim." She emphasized that the FBI, while not policing ideology, will not tolerate threats to life. Reardon who had been previously arrested by local law enforcement, is to appear in federal court this afternoon.
Assisting in the investigation were local police departments, the Massachusetts State Police, the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, and the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Riley-Cunniffe and Torey B. Cummings, as stated in the U.S. Attorney's Office release. It's important to note that all charges made in the complaint are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. The details of this case bring into stark relief the ongoing battle against hate and prejudice that continues to challenge communities across the nation.
