Man arrested after bomb threat against Providence's Temple Beth-El

Jack Perry, Providence Journal
Updated ·1 min read

A 65-year-old man is accused of making a bomb threat to a Providence temple Tuesday.

Vincent Johnson was arrested and charged with transmitting a bomb threat and disorderly conduct, according to the Providence police.

Johnson, of Pawtucket, was arraigned Thursday morning in District Court, Providence, where he did not enter a plea, according to court records.

A criminal complaint accuses Johnson of falsely reporting the location of an explosive at Temple Beth-El and "causing anxiety, unrest, fear, or personal discomfort ..."

Vincent Johnson, who is accused of making a bomb threat, directed at Temple Beth-El in Providence, arrives in District Court, Providence, on Thursday.
Vincent Johnson, who is accused of making a bomb threat, directed at Temple Beth-El in Providence, arrives in District Court, Providence, on Thursday.

The incident happened as Israel is at war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which attacked Israel on Oct. 7.

U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner issued the following statement regarding the threat: “There is no place for antisemitic harassment in Rhode Island or anywhere. I have been in touch with leaders at Temple Beth-El and other Jewish organizations across Rhode Island, and commend local law enforcement for taking swift action to keep our community safe."

This image by the Anti-Defamation League shows the number of antisemitic incidents reported in each state last year, including 19 in Rhode island.
This image by the Anti-Defamation League shows the number of antisemitic incidents reported in each state last year, including 19 in Rhode island.

More: Anti-Semitic incidents rose in RI, across the country in 2022, group says

"As Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee for Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence, I am committed to providing local authorities with the resources and support they need to stop violent extremism before it occurs," Magaziner said.

The bond for Johnson was set at $10,000 surety, and a no-trespassing order was issued.

His next court date was set for Jan. 25.

- With reports by Journal staff writer, Mark Reynolds

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Man accused of making bomb threat against Providence temple