A Choctaw County man was arrested late Tuesday after allegedly making credible threats of violence against multiple synagogues in Alabama and neighboring states, as well as against political officials, according to law enforcement authorities.
Authorities identified the suspect as Jeremy Wayne Shoemaker of Needham, a small community in rural Choctaw County.
The FBI, along with the 1st Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office and the 1st Judicial Circuit Special Response Team (SRT), received intelligence indicating Shoemaker had allegedly issued threats targeting houses of worship and government leaders.
Investigators executed a search warrant at Shoemaker’s residence, where they recovered several firearms, a suitcase containing ammunition, body armor, and additional materials believed to be linked to potential acts of violence, officials reported.
Law enforcement officials said Shoemaker had expressed intentions not to be taken alive and may have been planning attacks on unnamed public figures.
Authorities believe his arrest prevented multiple acts of violence.
“This is an ongoing investigation that will involve numerous federal agencies,” officials stated. “Multiple federal charges are likely.”
Shoemaker currently faces local charges of resisting arrest and possession of a firearm by a person prohibited from owning one, pending further federal review.
The 1st Judicial Circuit Special Response Team comprises deputies and officers from multiple law enforcement agencies who receive ongoing training in tactical response operations.
Agencies assisting in the operation included the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office, Choctaw County Sheriff’s Office, and police departments from Jackson, Grove Hill, Thomasville, and Butler.
