By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
A south Alabama man is facing federal charges after investigators say he sent violent threats to a Mountain Brook rabbi and other religious and political leaders across several states.
Jeremy Wayne Shoemaker, 33, of Needham in Choctaw County, is charged with making an interstate communication threat, according to a complaint unsealed Friday in the Southern District of Alabama.
Shoemaker was first arrested Oct. 26 on state charges, including resisting arrest and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Authorities later linked him to threatening voicemails and text messages targeting multiple rabbis, an imam, and a public official.
In one voicemail to a Mountain Brook rabbi, Shoemaker reportedly said, “I could have easily snatched you up… You should be very glad that I do believe in Hashem and that I am fundamentally moral.” The FBI said other messages contained antisemitic and anti-Muslim slurs and calls for violence.
“Last night likely acts of violence were averted before they happened,” said Clarke County Sheriff DeWayne Smith following Shoemaker’s arrest.
A search of Shoemaker’s home uncovered a suitcase of ammunition, body armor, and documents listing the names and contact information of religious leaders, according to the FBI. His grandmother told investigators he had made disturbing comments about killing people he saw on television and had refused to take prescribed medication.
Shoemaker told agents his voicemails were intended as “psychological warfare” and claimed they were “satire.” He remains in federal custody as the investigation continues.