A 33-year-old man from Needham, Alabama, identified as Jeremy Wayne Shoemaker, has been taken into custody by the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office in connection with a suspected plan to carry out attacks against multiple synagogues across Alabama and neighbouring states.
According to investigators, law-enforcement executed a search warrant at Shoemaker’s home in Needham, where they discovered a newly purchased assault rifle, extended loaded magazines, body armour and what was described as a “suitcase full of ammunition”.
Sheriff DeWayne Smith explained that Shoemaker had been preparing “to shoot it out with the police” — indicating a determination not to surrender. During the arrest, the suspect resisted and sustained minor injuries in the altercation.
Local charges currently include resisting arrest and illegal firearm possession, though authorities say federal charges are likely as the investigation continues in coordination with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other agencies.
One Alabama state representative, Phillip Ensler — who also serves as executive director of the Jewish Federation of Central Alabama — called the incident “really concerning and troubling,” underlining the long-history of threats faced by Jewish communities.
Investigators emphasized that swift cooperation between federal, state and local agencies likely prevented a potentially devastating act of violence. The investigation remains active as officials seek to determine whether public figures were also targeted.
