LA Man Arrested for Plotting Attack on Jewish Preschool
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Federal agents arrested Steven Carlos Duenas in Los Angeles on October 2nd for allegedly plotting an attack on the "JEMS" Jewish preschool. Agents found materials for Molotov cocktails in his home. Duenas had posted threats online, including references to burning synagogues and attacking the preschool. His mother described his severe mental health struggles and addiction, hoping for his rehabilitation.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Steven Carlos Duenas, 51, was arrested in Los Angeles for allegedly planning an attack on a Jewish preschool.
- Federal agents found materials for Molotov cocktails in Duenas' home.
- Duenas posted online threats, including "Not enough synagogues have burned."
- He allegedly threatened to "bomb the preschool later" after obtaining missiles online.
- His mother cited severe mental health issues and addiction as contributing factors.
- Duenas' next court appearance is scheduled for November 10th.
Federal agents arrested Steven Carlos Duenas, a 51-year-old resident of Los Angeles' Los Feliz neighborhood, on October 2nd for allegedly planning a mass casualty event at the "JEMS" Jewish preschool, affiliated with Chabad.
A search of his home, where he lives with his mother, uncovered materials for Molotov cocktails, including a glass bottle filled with gasoline and fuel. The investigation focused on social media posts Duenas made in mid-September. One post showed a Molotov cocktail against a backdrop of the 9/11 attacks, with the caption, "Don't just watch the war, take part in it." Other posts included a video with a song by R.E.M. in the background and the caption, "Love my Houthi brothers," along with direct threats such as "Not enough synagogues have burned" and "I got some Tomahawk missiles on Facebook Marketplace, maybe I'll bomb the preschool later."
Duenas appeared in court in handcuffs, crying, and mouthed "I love you" to his mother, who was present. His next court date is November 10th.
His mother, Maria Duenas, told reporters that her son has suffered severe mental health deterioration, including mania, depression, and schizophrenia. She stated that his job loss as a social worker and the dissolution of his marriage led to severe alcohol and prescription drug addiction. She rejected claims of inherent antisemitism and expressed hope for his treatment and rehabilitation.
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