Ohio synagogue evacuated after bomb threat Saturday

LUCAS COUNTY — A bomb threat forced a synagogue in Ohio to evacuate on Saturday morning, Toledo TV stations WTOL11 and 13abc reported.

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The threat occurred around 10:15 a.m. when people were gathered for Shabbat services at the Congregation B’nai Israel in Lucas County, WTOL11 reported.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo said a text message was sent to a crisis line and received by regional dispatch, claiming someone was on their way to the synagogue with a pipe bomb in a backpack, both stations reported.

The synagogue was evacuated as soon as they learned about the threat.

The Sylvania YMCA/JCC was also evacuated as it is on the same property and is adjacent to the synagogue, WTOL11 reported.

The threat comes one day after Toledo-area Jewish community members expressed concerns about a rise in antisemitism to Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, 13abc reported.

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While in Toledo, DeWine also spoke with Muslim community members about Islamophobia, 13abc reported.

The FBI and local law enforcement do not know who made this threat but are investigating.

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