DENVER — Another series of hoaxes have targeted Colorado Jewish organizations on Jan. 9, the Security Community Network told the IJN.
Similar to the wave of hoaxes last year on Dec. 16, these threats were also deemed not credible. Local and state law enforcement, as well as the FBI, were made aware of the threats.
Such threats are also referred to as “swatting,” and typically involve a threat being called in to a building, forcing it to evacuate, though no attack is actually planned.
According to SCN, it wasn’t only Jewish institutions that were targeted. Regional Director Phil Niedringhaus said that some schools also received the threats.
The threat stated that explosives had been hidden in the synagogue, and the group called itself Terrorizers111.
At least one building was evacuated. Temple Emanuel said in a statement that its Early Learning Center was moved to a safe site. “The children were all kept safe and warm at our evacuation site and we followed all of our protocols to ensure safe re-entry,” the statement said. Re-entry occurred after Denver Police and the temple’s security team deemed it safe and all protocols were followed.
In addition to Temple Emanuel, the Jewish organizations who received the threat, according to SCN, were Temple Micah, Temple Sinai, B’nai Havurah, Rodef Shalom, Hebrew Educational Alliance, Zera Abraham and Denver Community Kollel — all in Denver; Chabad Jewish Center of South Metro Denver (Lone Tree); Beth Evergreen; Aspen Jewish Congregation; Cong. B’nai Chaim (Morrison); Cong. B’nai Torah (Westminster); Har HaShem (Boulder); Ohr Shalom (Grand Junction); Temple Beit Torah (Colo. Spgs.); Chabad-Lubavitch of Southern Colorado (Colo. Spgs.); Bonai Shalom (Boulder). A messianic group, Roeh Israel, was also targeted.
Some of these institutions were also targeted in the Dec. 16 wave, which took place on Shabbat.
Although the threats were deemed hoaxes, Niedringhaus said that it is important that organizations follow their protocols for a bomb threat. This should include calling 911 and reporting to local law enforcement, he said.
“Your local law enforcement agency will respond and clear your building. If you are told that there are hoax threats going around and law enforcement is not responding, you should still follow due diligence and check the exterior and interior of your building for anything suspicious.” He also advised checking alarm systems and cameras.
“These threats are occurring across the US but we should never make the assumption that proper procedures don’t need to be followed,” said Niedringhaus, drawing a parallel with road safety.
“We don’t stop wearing our seat belt when we drive ‘because I probably won’t be in an accident’.”
In its statement, Temple Emanuel emphasized its concern for security.
“We are saddened by the increase in these hoax incidents across the country. The safety and security of our children is a holy responsibility for us, and we take it very seriously.”
