Police say a 21-year-old Memphis man is in custody after he allegedly threatened by text message to storm Temple Israel with a rifle and “shoot the Jews,” then continue firing at Crosstown Concourse until officers killed him.
Investigators say the sender, identified as Jason Arrington, was arrested Friday and charged with making a threat of mass violence. No one was hurt.
According to a report cited by Action News 5, a woman went to police after receiving the disturbing texts. The report says Arrington told investigators he had been researching mass shootings online and believed he was messaging a friend when he sent the threats.
The police report also notes that Arrington worked at Temple Israel. The synagogue told the station he is no longer employed there. Action News 5 published his booking photo, credited to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
Where The Threat Was Aimed
Temple Israel is a longstanding Reform congregation in Memphis with a main campus and a downtown presence at Crosstown Concourse, according to Temple Israel. The congregation hosts regular worship services, religious school and community programming.
Police say the text messages explicitly mentioned both the synagogue and the bustling Crosstown Concourse location.
Broader Trend
The arrest lands against a backdrop of rising threats and harassment aimed at Jewish institutions nationwide. National tracking groups say synagogues are frequent targets.
Reporting from the Anti-Defamation League notes thousands of antisemitic incidents in 2025, with hundreds specifically directed at synagogues, and warns that written and verbal threats remain the most common form of harassment. Those trends have pushed many congregations to revisit security plans and tighten coordination with law enforcement.
Charges And Next Steps
Arrington was booked on a charge of making a threat of mass violence, according to Action News 5. Prosecutors are expected to review the case and decide whether to seek additional charges. The case remains pending in Shelby County courts.
What Officials Advise
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the messages or the suspect to contact local law enforcement.
Community groups and houses of worship looking to bolster security and reporting practices can find resources through organizations such as the Anti-Defamation League. Officials stress that anyone facing an immediate threat should call 911.
