HOUSTON – A man has been arrested and charged with making terrorist threats against two Houston synagogues. Harris County Assistant District Attorney's office said Dante Phearse was responsible for bomb threats to Congregation Beth Israel and Congregation Or Ami.
Both synagogues canceled school classes and were shut down on Thursday, May 2. They reopened the following day with additional security. Officials gave the all clear after the buildings were searched using bomb-sniffing dogs and it was determined there was nothing suspicious.
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Phearse was arrested Tuesday and is due in court on Thursday.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) released a statement on Wednesday regarding the arrest of Phearse.
"From the moment the bomb threats were reported to the Houston Police Department and the FBI, it was clear they took the threats very seriously," said ADL Southwest Regional Director Martin B. Cominsky. "Law enforcement has sent a clear message that these types of threats will be thoroughly investigated and won't be tolerated."
Phearse has a prior record; he was convicted in 2009 for felony robbery, according to the Harris County ADA.