Expand / Collapse search
☰

Jewish Congregation of Venice threats deemed a hoax: Police

By
Updated  September 30, 2025 2:22pm EDT
Venice
FOX 13 News

The Brief

    • Police in Venice say threatening calls that came into the Jewish Congregation of Venice on Tuesday afternoon were a hoax or swatting. 
    • Police said they were notified that the center received phone calls threatening to "kill everyone."
    • Yom Kippur begins on Wednesday, Oct. 1 and authorities have seen increased threatening activities throughout the United States.

VENICE, Fla. - Venice police, the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office and Venice Fire Rescue went to the synagogue after it received phone calls threatening to "kill everyone."

Shortly afterward, VPD deemed the incident a hoax. 

Police said it may also have been a "swatting" incident, and they are aware that possible calls may have also been made to other places of worship in surrounding areas.

Why you should care:

Yom Kippur begins on Wednesday, Oct. 1 and authorities have seen increased threatening activities throughout the United States.

What's next:

VPD is coordinating with JCV's security team and continues to communicate with state and federal partners.

The Source: Information for this story was provided by the Venice Police Department.

VeniceCrime and Public SafetySarasota County