2 Men Arrested at Penn Station After Allegedly Making Threats to N.Y.C. Synagogues – Two men were arrested Saturday at Penn Station after the NYPD and FBI’s joint counterterrorism task team “uncovered a developing threat to the Jewish community.” An arrest in New York may have prevented a terrorist attack against the Jewish community of the city. NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell said in a statement that after their FBI joint counterterrorism task force “uncovered a developing threat to the Jewish community” on Friday, Christopher Brown, 21, of Suffolk County was arrested Saturday at Penn Station.
According to ABC News, she credited “eagle-eyed” MTA police officers with observing Brown entering the train station with another man, identified as 22-year-old Matthew Mahrer of Manhattan. Brown, who police claim was discovered with a huge hunting knife, has been charged with terroristic threat, aggravated harassment, and criminal possession of a weapon. In addition, an illegal Glock 17 firearm, a 30-round magazine, and many other items were found in Brown’s apartment, according to ABC News.
ABC News reports that Brown made recent threats against unidentified Jewish synagogues in the New York area. According to the NYPD, Mahrer was also charged with criminal possession of a weapon. “Today, we’re extremely grateful to NYPD investigators and our law enforcement partners who uncovered and stopped a threat to our Jewish community,” Commissioner Sewell said in another statement shared on Twitter. “This morning’s arrests in Penn Station and weapon seizures are proof of their vigilance & collaboration that keeps New Yorkers safe.”
In her previous statement, Sewell stated that an investigation against Brown is proceeding “to establish a strong prosecution.” ABC News reports that more charges are being considered by prosecutors. In a statement sent on Twitter earlier this month, the FBI warned of a widespread threat to synagogues in New Jersey.
The next day, they reported that they had identified the source of the threat and that he “no longer poses a danger to the community.” Omar Alkattoul, 18, of Sayreville has since been arrested and charged with one count of transmitting a threat in interstate and foreign commerce, according to CNN. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
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