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FBI Arrests Man Plotting AK-47 Synagogue Attack; Hate Crimes Surge

4/29/2026

46 9 Full Breakdown

Center

Marcoulier Arrested

The FBI received tip that a Discord user planned to storm a synagogue with an AK-47 and 75-round drum magazine.
Jakob Marcoulier, 22, was arrested April 23, Fort Polk, charged with threatening to kill Jews in synagogue and is in custody.
The FBI captured audio of Marcoulier describing plan to enter a synagogue with AK-47.
Anti-Defamation League logged 9,354 antisemitic incidents in 2024, a 5% rise and highest since 1979.

Right

Marcoulier Arrested

A private citizen reported the Discord user “el.bostino” to the FBI, triggering the investigation that recorded the soldier’s threats.
Soldier Jakob Marcoulier, 22, was arrested on April 23 2026 and charged with transmitting an interstate threat.
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller said threat violated religious freedom and praised FBI’s response.
Discord deleted “el.bostino” for hateful conduct, noting Marcoulier faces up to five years if convicted.

History

Historical Context

In October 2018, Robert Bowers opened fire at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue, killing 11 worshippers and prompting the FBI to expand online hate monitoring. That investigation’s use of platform data and digital forensics set a precedent, which today guides the FBI’s rapid response to soldier Jakob Marcoulier’s Discord threats.

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Marcoulier Arrested

The FBI received tip that a Discord user planned to storm a synagogue with an AK-47 and 75-round drum magazine.
Jakob Marcoulier, 22, was arrested April 23, Fort Polk, charged with threatening to kill Jews in synagogue and is in custody.
The FBI captured audio of Marcoulier describing plan to enter a synagogue with AK-47.
Anti-Defamation League logged 9,354 antisemitic incidents in 2024, a 5% rise and highest since 1979.

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