A 19-year-old man has been taken into custody after police reported he threatened to shoot a synagogue via social media.
According to Durham Regional Police, they were alerted by an external law enforcement agency on Friday about threatening messages posted on an online messaging board regarding a potential shooting at a synagogue in Durham Region.
Following an investigation, police arrested Alexander Parfitt, 19, from Whitby on Saturday and charged him with one count of threats motivated by hate.
Authorities say Parfitt was held for a bail hearing. Anyone with information is encouraged to reach out to police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
The news of the arrest came just a day after gunfire erupted outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue, resulting in critical injuries to a police officer and leaving a suspect with life-threatening injuries. This incident occurred while congregation members gathered inside the synagogue for Yom Kippur.
Durham police have stated they are increasing patrols around Jewish places of worship and community gathering spots throughout Durham Region during the Jewish High Holidays.
Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy expressed that she was “deeply disturbed by news from Durham Regional Police that a man is facing charges following an investigation into threats to commit a shooting at a synagogue in Durham Region.”
“I have been briefed by Durham Regional Police and remain in direct contact with police and the leadership of Whitby’s synagogue. I know this news will cause fear and anxiety for Whitby’s Jewish community.”
“To our Jewish friends and neighbours, I want to say clearly: you are not alone. Your community stands with you always. Every resident must be able to gather, worship, and practice their faith safely and without fear. A threat against a place of worship is a threat against the safety and fundamental freedoms of our entire community,” Roy said.
“There is no place in Whitby for antisemitism — or hate, intimidation, or violence of any kind. We will confront it, condemn it, and stand together against it.”
“I thank our police partners for their vigilance and continued work to protect our community,” she said.
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