U.S. News
Authorities Foil Alleged Houston Synagogue Plot Before Holiday
Clear Facts
- North Carolina officials arrested 18-year-old Angelina Han Hicks for allegedly conspiring to attack a Jewish synagogue in Houston.
- Authorities charged Hicks with two felony conspiracy counts and set her bond at $10 million.
- A 16-year-old in Texas was also arrested in connection with the investigation into a conspiracy to commit capital murder.
The alleged plot targeted Congregation Beth Israel, where investigators believe the conspirators intended to cause mass casualties.
District Court Judge Carlton Terry stated the defendant intended to kill as many victims as possible by driving through the congregation.
Hicks was reportedly working with two male accomplices identified in court documents as Angel and Teegan.
While some warrants suggest a 2028 timeline, the District Attorney emphasized the threat was considered imminent based on the totality of evidence.
The FBI Charlotte Joint Terrorism Task Force launched the investigation following a tip received by North Carolina law enforcement on Tuesday.
FBI Director Kash Patel noted that the rapid intervention by law enforcement likely saved numerous lives.
“I briefly spoke to her about preliminary matters.”
Defense attorney Chad Freeman stated he could not comment further on the allegations at this time.
Meanwhile, the defendant’s father claimed the charges were fabricated and blamed her online activities for the situation.
“The date doesn’t reflect the entirety of the evidence and shouldn’t be interpreted to mean the contemplated acts were not imminent.”
The District Attorney’s office pushed back against interpretations that the plot was years away from execution.
In response to the threat, security patrols have increased around Jewish institutions across the Houston area.
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