Massachusetts man arrested after allegedly threatening to kill members of Jewish community, bomb places of worship

A Massachusetts man was arrested Monday after leaving a voicemail to a local synagogue threatening to kill members of the Jewish community and bomb the building, U.S. Attorney’s Office said. 

John Reardon, 59, of Millis, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of using a facility of interstate commerce to threaten a person or place with harm via an explosive, officials said in a press release Monday. Reardon has remained in custody since being arrested on Jan. 25, and was arrested again by federal officials Monday morning. 

Reardon allegedly called Congregation Agundas Achim, a synagogue in Attleboro, on Thursday and left a voicemail which included statements and threats to the congregation and broader Jewish community.

Among other statements, Reardon was reportedly recorded saying “You do realize that by supporting genocide that means it’s ok for people to commit genocide against you;” “Guess what? We are going to use your logic — if you can kill the Palestinians, we can kill you;” and “I supported Jewish people though. Not anymore. A matter of fact I think we should kill you(s) all.”

According to officials, Reardon called another local synagogue and Jewish-affiliated organization within 10 minutes of leaving the first voicemail. He was arrested after the calls were made. 

“John Reardon is accused of using his words as a weapon, leaving a threatening message to frighten members of the Congregation Agudas Achim,” said Jodi Cohen, special agent in charge of the FBI, Boston Division. “While the FBI does not and will not police ideology, we take all threats to life seriously, and so should anyone thinking about making one.”

If convicted, Reardon could face up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. 

Reardon appeared in the U.S. District Court in Boston at 2 p.m. Monday, the press release said.

“The allegations here about the series of threats Mr. Reardon made against the Jewish community are deeply disturbing and reflect the increasing torrent of antisemitism across our country and right here in Massachusetts,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “The numbers do not lie — incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia are spiking.”

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