Overview
- Authorities say the fire, reported shortly after 3 a.m. Saturday, was intentionally set and heavily damaged the synagogue’s library and administrative offices.
- Two Torah scrolls were destroyed and five others were damaged, while a Holocaust-surviving Torah kept in a glass case was not harmed.
- No injuries were reported; officials said the suspect sustained non-life-threatening burns and was taken into custody after receiving medical care.
- The FBI, ATF and Joint Terrorism Task Force have joined local investigators, who have ruled the incident arson and are pursuing potential federal charges.
- Services at the synagogue have been suspended as leaders assess damage, arrange temporary worship space with interfaith partners, and plan for rebuilding.