BOSTON — A man from Massachusetts has entered a guilty plea in federal court after making threats against the Jewish community, including intentions to bomb synagogues.

John Reardon, 59, residing in Millis, Massachusetts, admitted to charges including obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs by threat of force, transmitting a threat to cause injury across state lines, and stalking via interstate communication.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland expressed that Reardon’s menacing actions only heightened the anxiety already felt by Jewish congregants amid a rise in anti-Semitic threats. He emphasized that no individual or community should endure the fear that accompanies hate-driven violence.

Jodi Cohen, head of the FBI’s Boston Field Office, remarked that Reardon’s guilty plea serves as a warning that threats of violence will not go unanswered. She stated, “Individuals of all races and faiths deserve the security to feel safe where they reside.”

In January, Reardon reportedly made a threatening call to Congregation Agudas Achim located in Attleboro, Massachusetts, leaving a voicemail that included threats to kill members and bomb the synagogue. During this message, he allegedly stated, “if you can kill the Palestinians, we can kill you.” Furthermore, he followed this call with another to a different synagogue and a Jewish organization just ten minutes later.

Following these actions, Reardon was taken into custody only days later. Rabbi Talya Weisbard Shalem from Congregation Agudas Achim expressed relief that Reardon has recognized his wrongdoing, commenting, “His actions were shocking and distressing to our community. It is reassuring that Mr. Reardon seems to acknowledge the damage he caused and aspires to make amends.”

Since the onset of the conflict involving Hamas and Israel that began on October 7, there has been a notable increase in harassment incidents and reports of bias affecting both Jewish and Muslim populations.

Reardon is facing a potential maximum sentence of 30 years in prison along with fines that could reach up to $750,000 across the three charges, although a sentencing date has yet to be established.

Attempts to reach Reardon or his attorney for comments were unsuccessful.