A Pawtucket man accused of making a bomb threat to a Providence synagogue was given bail in court on Thursday.
Vincent Johnson, 65, was arraigned in Providence District Court for allegedly making a bomb threat call on Tuesday to Temple Beth-El. He is facing transmitting bomb threats and similar false reports, and disorderly conduct charges.
According to court officials, Johnson was given $10,000 bail with surety and a no trespassing order for the temple. No plea was entered.
A temple spokesperson said the threat was handled “quickly, decisively and seamlessly” by the temple officials and Providence police.
“It was determined to be a non-credible threat, and there is no safety concern at this time. We are grateful for the ongoing care and support of the community,” Temple Beth-El Director of Engagement and Operations Joie Magnone said.
"Providence has no place for hate or discrimination. In the wake of the horrific news out of Israel, we are being especially vigilant with our Jewish community and ensuring that any instance of antisemitism is investigated immediately," said Providence Mayor Brett Smiley. "Every single neighbor in our community deserves to feel safe and I am thankful to the Providence Police officers who responded quickly and efficiently to this incident. Our public safety officials will remain vigilant in the weeks ahead to ensure that Providence continues to be a safe and welcoming city for all."
"Our community is already on edge, and this doesn't help to take that anxiety away,” Greater Jewish Alliance of RI CEO and President Adam Greenman said. "We're just glad it was resolved so quickly."
Rep. Seth Magaziner also commented on the incident, saying “there is no place for antisemitic harassment in Rhode Island or anywhere.”
“As Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee for Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence, I am committed to providing local authorities with the resources and support they need to stop violent extremism before it occurs,” Magaziner said.
A prosecutor said in court that Johnson has 18 cases, with 16 “failure to appear” cases.
Johnson is scheduled for a pre-arraignment conference on Jan. 25, 2024, officials said.