A small town in Alabama is at the center of a federal investigation after Jeremy Wayne Shoemaker of Needham was charged with threatening religious leaders in multiple states. Shoemaker is accused of sending disturbing messages to rabbis, imams, and churches in at least four states, including threatening voicemails. In one call to a rabbi, Shoemaker allegedly said, "I want you to die."
Federal court documents reveal that Shoemaker also sent a threatening text to a mosque in Louisiana, warning of a "war." Despite the nature of his messages, Shoemaker told investigators he intended them as satire or psychological warfare, not genuine threats. Authorities found handwritten notes with personal information about the religious leaders, and Shoemaker’s grandmother reportedly told authorities he was mentally ill and not taking his prescribed medication.
When federal agents searched his home, they found weapons, including a newly purchased assault rifle, extended magazines, and stockpiled ammunition. Clarke County Sheriff DeWayne Smith confirmed the ammunition was prepared for use. Shoemaker was arrested by a multi-agency task force and is currently in custody at Choctaw County Jail.
Federal court documents reveal that Shoemaker also sent a threatening text to a mosque in Louisiana, warning of a "war." Despite the nature of his messages, Shoemaker told investigators he intended them as satire or psychological warfare, not genuine threats. Authorities found handwritten notes with personal information about the religious leaders, and Shoemaker’s grandmother reportedly told authorities he was mentally ill and not taking his prescribed medication.
When federal agents searched his home, they found weapons, including a newly purchased assault rifle, extended magazines, and stockpiled ammunition. Clarke County Sheriff DeWayne Smith confirmed the ammunition was prepared for use. Shoemaker was arrested by a multi-agency task force and is currently in custody at Choctaw County Jail.
