A Sayreville man has pleaded guilty to threatening to attack a synagogue.
Omar Alkattoul admitted Wednesday to posting a manifesto on social media with threats to attack a synagogue and Jewish people. It prompted a statewide alert by the FBI and put the community on edge, according to officials.
“The laws of our nation allow for everyone to express themselves,” FBI-Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy wrote in a statement. “However, when that expression turns into a specific threat toward others, the FBI and other law enforcement agencies must take action.”
Alkattoul now faces up to five years behind bars and a $250,000 fine. He will be sentenced in November.