HOUSTON, TX — A potentially devastating attack on the oldest Jewish congregation in Texas was narrowly avoided this week after the FBI and local police intercepted a plot to “kill as many Jews as possible.”
Authorities have arrested two young people, including an 18-year-old North Carolina woman and a 16-year-old juvenile in Houston, following an investigation into a conspiracy to drive a vehicle through Congregation Beth Israel.
The Suspects and the Charges
The investigation moved rapidly after a tip was made to North Carolina law enforcement on Tuesday evening.
- Angelina Han Hicks (18): Arrested in Lexington, N.C., Hicks is being held under a massive $10 million bond. She is charged with conspiring to commit murder and assault.
- Unidentified Juvenile (16): Arrested in Houston and charged with conspiracy to commit capital murder. The FBI and Houston ISD Police assisted in the apprehension.
According to court documents, District Court Judge Carlton Terry justified the high bond and detention by stating the conspiracy involved a plan to drive through a synagogue congregation to maximize casualties.
Security Alerts and School Closures
The threat prompted Congregation Beth Israel, which also operates an elementary school, to shut down its campus on Wednesday “out of an abundance of caution.”
The Jewish Federation of Greater Houston confirmed that while the campus reopened on Thursday, security remains a top priority. “The safety and security of the Houston Jewish community is of utmost importance,” the federation stated in a social media post.
A Pattern of Violence
This foiled plot comes during a period of heightened global tension. Synagogues worldwide have been on high alert since the onset of the U.S.-Israel war with Iran on February 28.
The Houston threat follows a horrific incident just last month in Michigan, where Ayman Ghazali crashed a pickup truck into Temple Israel in West Bloomfield. Ghazali, who was armed, exchanged gunfire with security before taking his own life. Authorities noted that Ghazali had recently lost four family members in an airstrike in Lebanon.
Investigation Continues
While some warrants suggest a potential attack date of April 21, 2028, prosecutors emphasized there was grave concern regarding an “imminent event” targeting the Houston community this week.
Hicks’ attorney, Chad Freeman, noted that the case is in its early stages and suggested that his client’s age would be a factor in her defense. Her next court appearance is scheduled for May 13.
Stay Alert, Houston: The Houston Police Department stated Thursday that there are currently “no other known credible threats,” but local institutions are expected to maintain increased security presence.
What do you think? Should security at religious institutions and schools be permanently increased given the current global climate? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
