An Antioch man has been arrested after authorities say he made threats of violence towards congregates of a synagogue in Lindenhurst and Jewish organizations nationwide.
The Antioch Police Department said they arrested Christopher Williams, 33, of Antioch, following an extensive months-long investigation working with federal law enforcement.
Officers arrested Williams around 5 p.m. Friday near his residence in the Antioch Clublands subdivision.
The investigation was launched after Williams made several statements of violence towards Jewish organizations, according to Village of Antioch Communication Manager Jim Moran.
The threats were initially directed toward organizations nationwide.
Williams then made “repeated direct threats of violence” toward congregates of the Sanctuary Messianic Synagogue, located at 1949 East Old Elm Road in Lindenhurst, Moran said.
Federal and local authorities worked with the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office, which approved hate crime and electronic harassment charges against Williams.
Police obtained an arrest warrant carrying a $700,000 bond on Friday.
Williams was transported to the Lake County Jail to await an initial court hearing.
Antioch Police Chief Geoffrey Guttschow said the hateful acts have “no place in our hometown community.”
“This type of discrimination and threats of violent behavior will not be tolerated in our community where we foster the core values of respect and inclusivity,” Guttschow said.
“I would like to personally thank our federal partners, Lake County States Attorney, and my officers for their dedication to the safety of our Lake County residents,” Guttschow said.