ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn — A prominent Twin Cities synagogue is closed Friday after being targeted by a threat posted on a national website.
St. Louis Park police say they were informed of the threat involving Beth El Synagogue, located at 5225 Barry Street West, around 9:15 p.m. Thursday. It was originally posted on the national website for the Anti-Defamation League, and specifically referenced Beth El.
Authorities believe the threat originated in the Twin Cities. Police say the not-yet-identified sender of the message indicated people could be harmed at a religious service set to occur Friday evening.
Investigators are trying to trace the threat electronically to identify the source, and attempting to determine whether any suspicious activity was occurring at or near the synagogue recently. All information gathered is being shared with other local and federal authorities.
The closure comes during a period people of the Jewish faith refer to as the High Holidays (Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and the days in between), which are considered the holiest days of the year. Shabbat starts at sundown Friday and runs through Saturday, which would normally include in-person services.
KARE 11 is following this story and will have the latest information as it becomes available.
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