A 19-year-old Whitby man has been charged after Durham Regional Police investigated an alleged Whitby synagogue threat posted online.
Police said the Hate Crime Unit received information from an outside law-enforcement partner on Friday, September 18, about messages on an online board that allegedly threatened a shooting at a synagogue in Durham Region.
Search warrant executed in Whitby
Investigators said they identified the user believed to be responsible. A search warrant was executed at a Whitby residence on Saturday, September 19, and a man was arrested without incident.
Alexander Parfitt, 19, of Whitby, is charged with threats motivated by hate. Police said he was held for a bail hearing.
The allegation has not been tested in court. Parfitt is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Police increase patrols during Jewish High Holidays
DRPS said uniformed officers have increased their presence around Jewish places of worship and community gathering locations during the Jewish High Holidays. The force described the patrols as precautionary and said it is working with community partners.
Anyone with information about the alleged threat is asked to contact the DRPS Hate Crime Unit at 1-888-579-1520, extension 5800. Anonymous information can be provided to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers.
