Durham Regional Police say members of the Hate Crime Unit received information on Friday, September 18, from an external law-enforcement partner about online message-board threats to carry out a shooting at a synagogue in Durham Region.
Police say investigators identified the user responsible for the messages. On Saturday, September 19, officers executed a search warrant at a Whitby residence, found the man there and took him into custody without incident.
DRPS identified the accused as Alexander PARFITT, 19, of Whitby. He is charged with Threats Motivated by Hate and was held for a bail hearing. Police state the allegations have not been proven in court.
DRPS says it has increased patrols at Jewish places of worship and community gathering locations across Durham Region during the Jewish High Holidays. The service describes the patrols as precautionary measures intended to support public safety and reassure worshippers and visitors.
Anyone with information can contact the Hate Crime Unit at 1-888-579-1520, extension 5800. Police say suspicious or dangerous activity should be reported immediately; emergencies should be directed to 9-1-1. Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers.
Source: Durham Regional Police Service — https://www.drps.ca/news/posts/male-arrested-after-making-threats-to-shoot-synagogue
