TX Man Targeted Austin Synagogue Before Fire: Affidavit

Austin TX

18 November, 2021

9:02 AM

Description

AUSTIN, TX — An 18-year-old San Marcos man accused of setting fire to Congregation Beth Israel synagogue in Austin chronicled his plan to "scout out a target" days before the incident, according to newly released court documents. Franklin Barrett Sechriest was arrested Nov. 11 on suspicion of using an accelerant near the sanctuary doors of the synagogue at Shoal Creek Boulevard to ignite the fire Oct. 31, police said. RELATED: Austin Fire Arrests 18-Year-Old In Congregation Beth Israel Fire Sechriest, a member of the 6th Brigade of the Texas State Guard and a Texas State University student, now faces a federal arson charge related to the fire — he already was facing an arson charge in state court — and an affidavit made public Monday described the case against him in more detail. Patch obtained a copy of the criminal complaint against Sechriest and the affidavit that was filed on Nov. 12 at the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. 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. The affidavit included photographs of racist and antisemitic entries from his journal, Nazi and hate propaganda stickers and other evidence officials say link him to the fire. Our Arson Investigators need your help! They're looking for this man in connection with a fire set at Congregation Beth Israel (3901 Shoal Creek Blvd.) on October 31. If you have any information, please contact our Investigations Office at (512) 974-0240. pic.twitter.com/zlJfwAiEMX— Austin Fire Dept (@austinfiredept) November 3, 2021 On the night of the fire, the court documents say, security video showed his Jeep SUV in the parking lot at approximately 9 p.m., just before footage revealed the orange glow of a fire that investigators say was arson. In the footage, Sechriest could be seen wearing green utility pants, a black shirt, a face cover, a watch on his right wrist and carrying a green container in one hand and a roll of toilet paper in the other hand, the documents report. The 18-year-old, who appeared to be alone, jogged away from the sanctuary and fire toward the open driver's side door of the SUV before reversing and leaving the parking lot, federal agents said. The affidavit reports Sechriest targeted the synagogue after he conducted surveillance on the sanctuary on Oct. 28. He chronicled his plans in his journal, writing that he planned to "scout out a target" on that same day, authorities said. Sechriest also wrote, "return to base," underneath that entry, but it is unclear if he was in Austin that day or if he was referring to his Guard duties. The Guard said in a statement that it is cooperating with the investigation and "will not tolerate misconduct." Franklin Barrett Sechriest, 18, in federal custody Wednesday; a bail hearing on the federal arson charge had not yet been set. He was transferred to federal custody from Travis County jail Monday after being held on $100,000 bail on a local arson charges. (Mugshot courtesy of the Austin Police Department) On the night of the fire, Sechriest scribbled again, saying: "I set a synagogue on fire," authorities said. The entry was in a to-do list that also included surfing the dating app Tinder, going to get wings, doing laundry and meditating. Federal agents say Sechriest tracked the progress of the fire investigation from media reports. On Nov. 2, he said he got "worried when it mentions they are 'hopeful' a suspect will be caught." When the FBI executed a search and seizure warrant on Sechriest's car on Nov. 10, investigators say they discovered three 32-ounce glass bottles, three 32-ounce bottles of lighter fluid and an orange storm-proof match case with matches. Federal agent Thomas P. Joy Jr. wrote the items were consistent with materials used to combine and produce Molotov cocktails. In the same car, agents said they found three stickers that said: "Would you kill them all to seize your rights? The price of freedom is paid in Blood"; "No Invader is innocent"; and "They hate your ancestors. … They hate your culture. … They hate your nation. … They hate your religion. … It is okay to hate them back." On Sept. 6, Sechriest bought a green 5-gallon racing fuel utility jug at Cabela's in Buda, according to a receipt in his car, officials said. In a search of his home, the affidavit says, agents found Sechriest's journal and a 2021 planning calendar. Using a racial slur, he wrote on Aug. 19 that he had to take a "[racial slur] appreciation class" the day after Texas State orientation, a picture of his calendar entry showed. Arson investigators determined that the fire set by Sechriest at the synagogue caused more than $25,000 in damage and was "capable of destroying a building by means of fire." Synagogue officials said Monday the damage is closer to $150,000. The 18-year-old remained in federal custody Wednesday; a bail hearing on the federal arson charge had not yet been set. He was transferred to federal custody from Travis County jail Monday after being held on $100,000 bail on a local first-degree felony arson charge. The fire at the synagogue was among several alarming incidents in Austin in recent weeks that raised fears about an ongoing attack on the Jewish community. Law enforcement did not clarify in the affidavit if Sechriest's case was an isolated incident, but officials say investigations into the incidents are ongoing. Patch reached out to Sechriest's attorney on Wednesday. When we receive a reply, this story will be updated. On Sunday, hundreds of people attended a rally for kindness to counter the hate-driven incidents that also included antisemitic graffiti at Anderson High School and a group that twice hung offensive banners from Mopac Boulevard (Loop 1). Congregation Beth Israel Senior Rabbi Steve Folberg, who spoke at Sunday's rally at the Capitol, said in a statement: "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." Read the criminal complaint and affidavit below. TX Complaint by Patch