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Middlesex County Resident Sentenced for Threatening to Attack Synagogue
Omar Alkattoul, a 19-year-old resident of Sayreville in Middlesex County, New Jersey, has been sentenced to 15 months in prison for his online manifesto threatening violence against a synagogue and Jewish individuals.
A federal court in Camden, New Jersey, has taken a firm stance against hate crimes by sentencing Omar Alkattoul, 19, of Sayreville, to 15 months in prison for transmitting threats to attack a synagogue. The sentence, passed down by U.S. District Judge Christine P. O’Hearn, comes as a response to Alkattoul's admission of guilt in using the internet to spread a manifesto filled with anti-Semitic threats.
The case, overseen by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger, brought to light the severity and impact of Alkattoul's actions. "This defendant admitted using social media to send a manifesto containing a threat to attack a synagogue based on his hatred of Jews," Sellinger stated. The incident caused a statewide alert and heightened tension within the community, emphasizing the importance of protecting all faith communities.
FBI - Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy highlighted the broader implications of such hate-driven threats: “Threatening someone's life because of who they are or what they believe is simply unacceptable in civilized society."
The case underscores the role of law enforcement and the public in identifying and reporting potential threats to prevent them from escalating into physical attacks.
Documents and court statements revealed that on November 1, 2022, Alkattoul used social media to distribute his manifesto titled “When Swords Collide,” explicitly acknowledging his intent to target Jewish people and a synagogue.
In addition to the prison sentence, Alkattoul faces three years of supervised release. This case serves as a reminder of the persistent vigilance needed against hate crimes and the collaborative efforts of various law enforcement agencies, including the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force and offices across multiple states, in ensuring the safety and security of all communities.
The successful prosecution, led by Christopher Amore, Chief of the General Crimes Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Levin of the National Security Unit, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section, highlights the legal system's commitment to combatting hate crimes and safeguarding the rights and safety of every citizen.
