MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Federal authorities have apprehended Jeremy Wayne Shoemaker, a resident of Needham, Alabama, charging him with making threatening calls and sending texts to various religious leaders, including multiple rabbis and an imam across the South. In a deeply alarming case, Shoemaker allegedly issued explicit threats, reportedly stating to one rabbi, “I want you to die.”
Shoemaker has been charged with Interstate Communications Threat and was previously arrested on state charges related to resisting arrest and illegal firearms possession. An FBI agent disclosed in court documents that a series of menacing communications were made to religious leaders in Alabama and Louisiana, as well as to an imam in Georgia and a church in North Carolina. Following investigations, weapons and a suitcase filled with ammunition, alongside documents listing the personal information of religious figures and other notable individuals, were discovered at Shoemaker's residence.
While the specific details regarding his mental health have been redacted in court filings, it has been reported that Shoemaker has a diagnosed mental illness, which he had been neglecting to treat according to statements made by his grandmother to the FBI.
The concerning behavior began when he contacted a rabbi based in Mountain Brook, Alabama. Further inquiries suggested that he had issued threats to several others as well. An FBI affidavit highlighted troubling statements made by Shoemaker, including his intent to incite violence against the rabbis, explicitly stating, “I continue to push the Muslimeens to kill you Rabbis.” He added justifications for his hostile rhetoric tied to perceived threats against the West.
Shoemaker’s actions prompted a swift law enforcement response, with the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office noting that credible threats against synagogues in Alabama and surrounding areas led to his capture by a multi-agency task force. He is currently held in the Choctaw County Jail as the investigation continues.
Shoemaker has been charged with Interstate Communications Threat and was previously arrested on state charges related to resisting arrest and illegal firearms possession. An FBI agent disclosed in court documents that a series of menacing communications were made to religious leaders in Alabama and Louisiana, as well as to an imam in Georgia and a church in North Carolina. Following investigations, weapons and a suitcase filled with ammunition, alongside documents listing the personal information of religious figures and other notable individuals, were discovered at Shoemaker's residence.
While the specific details regarding his mental health have been redacted in court filings, it has been reported that Shoemaker has a diagnosed mental illness, which he had been neglecting to treat according to statements made by his grandmother to the FBI.
The concerning behavior began when he contacted a rabbi based in Mountain Brook, Alabama. Further inquiries suggested that he had issued threats to several others as well. An FBI affidavit highlighted troubling statements made by Shoemaker, including his intent to incite violence against the rabbis, explicitly stating, “I continue to push the Muslimeens to kill you Rabbis.” He added justifications for his hostile rhetoric tied to perceived threats against the West.
Shoemaker’s actions prompted a swift law enforcement response, with the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office noting that credible threats against synagogues in Alabama and surrounding areas led to his capture by a multi-agency task force. He is currently held in the Choctaw County Jail as the investigation continues.
