After making terroristic threats to the Jewish community, an Ogden man was arrested on Tuesday, and explosives were recovered from his home, the Ogden Police Department announced on Wednesday.
Ogden resident Skyler Rose was charged with threat of terrorism, seven counts of possession of weapons of mass destruction, possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person, and drug offenses after a tip originally received by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office indicated that threats were being directed against Jewish community members and synagogues.
Ogden Police said that it acted on the information from law enforcement colleagues, and attended the 21-year-old's home, discovering explosive devices, explosive materials, and multiple firearms. Bomb technicians responded to secure the devices, and they were removed from the residence for disposal.
The case is still under investigation.
"We will utilize all lawful tools, resources, and partnerships available to us to prevent threats, respond decisively to acts of intimidation or hate, and hold offenders accountable," Ogden Police said in a statement. "Our department will continue to act swiftly and professionally to ensure that all people in Ogden can live, gather, and worship freely, consistent with the rights guaranteed to them under the constitution."
Jewish community responds to threat
Congregation Brith Sholem president Janice Ward said on Facebook on Wednesday that while the synagogue was not named as a specific target, it was the closest synagogue to the threat.
"I feel confident in the work being done by the OPD and the measures in place to keep our community safe," Ward assured the community. "We will continue to observe our religious practices with confidence, grounded in our faith and supported by the love and care of the greater Ogden community."
Ward said that she was in close contact with the OPD and Ogden Mayor Ben Nadolski. Nadolski on social media said that the threat against the Jewish community was serious, but wanted Jewish neighbors to know that the city stood with them.
"Your right to worship in peace, to gather without fear, and to live openly in your faith is fundamental and non-negotiable. Ogden will always stand for dignity, safety, and the constitutional rights of every member of our community," said Nadolski.
The mayor warned that those who would make threats of violence, particularly those "rooted in hate," would not be tolerated in Ogden.
"Anyone who seeks to threaten our people or our community should know this: we will use every lawful resource available to us to find you, stop you, and hold you accountable," said Nadolski.