New details released after 13-year-old charged in Stark County mass shooting threat

STARK COUNTY, Ohio (WOIO) – The Stark County Sheriff’s Office released new details Thursday about the case against a 13-year-old boy accused of making online threats to a Canton synagogue.

19 News previously confirmed through court documents the boy is facing charges of inducing panic and disorderly conduct.

Just released by the sheriff’s office is that deputies were called out Sept. 7, 2023 to the boy’s home in Plain Township for the investigation.

According to a news release, deputies received a report that the 13-year-old was making threats against the Temple Isarel on 30th Street NW in Canton.

According to court documents, the teen posted plans on Discord, an online chat-based server for group communication, to complete a mass shooting at the temple.

The sheriff’s office said the boy was arrested and booked into the Multi County Juvenile Attention Center.

“We stand by a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to threats made against our community,” Stark County Sheriff George Maier said in a statement. “Every threat is investigated thoroughly with the seriousness it deserves. We work diligently to ensure that those responsible are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Protecting our community is a responsibility we bear with the highest level of commitment and vigilance.”

19 News reached out to the Rabbi at Temple Israel, who made no comment as the pending investigation involves a minor.

The boy is set to appear in Stark County Family Court on Dec. 20 for a pretrial hearing based on the misdemeanor charges.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, instances of hate crime in the U.S. increased 7% between 2021 and 2022.

During 2022, the FBI said hate crimes involving race, ethnicity, ancestry and religion made up 69.13% of all offenses.The