The Punta Gorda Police Department arrested a 31-year-old resident of Florida following an arson attack on the Chabad of Charlotte County on Friday.
Police arrested Blake Richard Hoover, alleging that Hoover was motivated by antisemitism when he is thought to have set fire to the Chabad.
Police arrested Hoover after multiple family members sent tips to police.
A search warrant was issued by a judge and police collected evidence from Hoover’s home, electronic devices and car.
Fire crews responded to the synagogue fire on Friday after a fire alarm was pulled. The majority of the damage was sustained to a single room, and the fire was quickly extinguished.
“Investigators discovered that a screen had been cut and an accelerant was used to start a fire at the back wall of the children’s classroom,” the department confirmed.
Police also shared that the letter ‘J’ was spraypainted onto the building’s exterior and on the pavement surrounding the property.
The safety of the Jewish community
No one was wounded by the fire.
Hoover was charged with arson and criminal mischief.
“Our hearts go out to our Jewish community members. This was a despicable act that is not representative of the great City of Punta Gorda,” Punta Gorda Police Chief Pamela Smith said in a statement. “We hope that you can celebrate the High Holy Days knowing an arrest has been made, and we wish you peace and happiness for the New Year.”
The department promised to maintain a strong presence in the Jewish community during the Jewish holiday season.