Ted Frank, 54, of Center Township, is facing felony charges after authorities say he left a threatening voicemail at the Islamic Center of Western Pennsylvania that included a bomb threat and the phrase “go back to Iran.” The call led to an evacuation of the mosque and the cancellation of congregational prayers while leaders focused on keeping worshippers safe.
Investigators traced the voicemail to a local number and linked it to Frank, according to CBS Pittsburgh. Court documents cited by the outlet say the message “threatened the well-being of Muslims” at the center on Warrendale Bayne Road in Marshall Township and triggered panic among congregants.
What The Charges Mean Under State Law
Prosecutors charged Frank with ethnic intimidation and terroristic threats, offenses that can bring tougher penalties when they are driven by bias. Under Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, ethnic intimidation elevates an underlying crime when it is committed because of a victim’s religion or national origin. Terroristic threats cover communications meant to terrorize others or to force the evacuation of a building or public place. The exact penalties depend on the grading of the offenses, and prosecutors may seek additional sentencing enhancements based on the circumstances of the case.
Community Reaction
The Pittsburgh chapter of the Council on American‑Islamic Relations called the incident “deeply concerning” and noted that targeting a mosque affects families, children, and individuals who simply want to worship in peace, a chapter spokesperson told CBS Pittsburgh. U.S. Rep. Summer Lee said she stands with the Islamic Center and is working with local and federal authorities to help ensure the Muslim community can pray and celebrate in peace, the outlet reported.
Court records show Frank was denied bail and is being held in the Allegheny County Jail while he awaits a preliminary hearing scheduled for early April. The mosque is the Islamic Center of Western Pennsylvania, located on Warrendale Bayne Road in Wexford, according to the Islamic Center of Western Pennsylvania. Local leaders say federal authorities have been notified and are coordinating with police as the investigation continues.
