From The Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — The Birmingham Police Department (BPD) investigated a suspicious package discovered at the Temple Beth-El Synagogue (2179 Highland Avenue in Birmingham) on Friday, Nov. 4, around 8:30 a.m.
According to the BPD, the security director for the Jewish Federation Birmingham Division was notified of a suspicious package left near the Temple Beth-El Synagogue.
“The security director responded to the location and observed what appeared to be a backpack near the synagogue; he felt as though the backpack was suspicious,” Officer Truman Fitzgerald stated. “The security director notified the Birmingham Police Department (BPD), as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the synagogue was evacuated.”
BPD bomb squad technicians and members of the BPD Tactical Operations Precinct responded to the location along with FBI agents.
“BPD bomb squad technicians observed the backpack and determined the backpack, as well as surrounding facts, required precautions to be taken,” Fitzgerald stated. “Officers rerouted all vehicle and pedestrian traffic away from the area.”
BPD bomb squad technicians brought in equipment used to transport items in this situation. Additionally, BPD bomb squad technicians transported the suspicious package to an undisclosed off-site location, where it was determined the backpack was not an explosive device.
“There have been reports circulating of a previous threat/incident at Temple Beth-El,” Fitzgerald stated. “We are confirming this information.”
BPD South Precinct officers responded to Temple Beth-El earlier in the morning at around 5:50 a.m. on a report of a fire call.
“Officers, along with Birmingham Fire and Rescue personnel (BFRS), responded to the location,” Fitzgerald stated. “Officers observed a propane tank and clothing which had been set on fire in the area; however, there was no damage to the synagogue.”
BPD and the FBI are investigating the facts surrounding the earlier fire and if the two incidents are connected.
“At around 12:15 p.m., FBI agents took a person of interest (adult male) into custody,” Fitzgerald stated.
The FBI transported the person of interest to their Birmingham Headquarters, where FBI agents and BPD detectives conducted an interview with him. At the conclusion of the interview, the person of interest was transported to the Birmingham City Jail, where he was placed under a 48-Hour Felony Extension for the State of Alabama charge of Arson Second Degree.
Authorities ask that anyone with additional information contact BPD directly at (205) 254- 1764 or remain anonymous by dialing Crime Stoppers at (205) 254-7777.
