Austin Fire Arrests 18-Year-Old In Congregation Beth Israel Fire

Austin TX

11 November, 2021

10:04 AM

Description

AUSTIN, TX — The Austin Fire Department has arrested a man Wednesday they believe is responsible for intentionally setting fire to an Austin synagogue on Halloween night. Franklin Barrett Sechriest, 18, was suspected of using an accelerant near the sanctuary doors of Congregation Beth Israel to ignite the flames, according to the department. RELATED: Austin Fire Suspects Arson In Congregation Beth Israel Fire Austin firefighters responded to an exterior fire around 9:05 p.m. on Oct. 31 at the synagogue. Fire officials said no one was injured in the fire; however, the fire did cause an estimated $25,000 in damage. Live in Austin? Click here to subscribe to our free breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox and mobile devices. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and download our free mobile app on Android or iPhone. Senior Rabbi Steve Folberg of Congregation Beth Israel released a statement about the arrest to KXAN: "...It gives us some sense of relief to learn of this arrest, but we are staying vigilant. Across Central Texas and beyond, we are seeing a spike in attacks against Jews," Folberg said. "We denounce all acts of bigotry and violence, especially those motivated by blind hatred of any of the proud and distinctive communities that enrich our civic life. We will remain strong and vigilant in the ongoing work of justice, safety and peace for ourselves and all our neighbors." Folberg said they are grateful to Shalom Austin, Anti-Defamation League Austin, the Austin community and people around the world for their support. The arrest comes after several anti-semitic acts took place in Central Texas over the past few weeks. The same night as the fire, several people in a few cities in Hays County received disturbing, hateful letters, which were sealed in a plastic bag filled with small rocks. The letters targeted Jewish community members and blamed them for the coronavirus pandemic. The Anti-Defamation League in Austin, the local chapter of a national group that monitors hate crimes, said it was tracking 17 reported incidents over a course of 10 days across the state. Four of those incidents took place in Austin. Texas is home to more than 108,000 adherents to Judaism, according to the Texas Almanac. Austin Fire said this is an ongoing, joint investigation alongside the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The agency did not comment further on the crime. RELATED:Small Fire Extinguished At Congregation Beth Israel In Austin