North Carolina woman, Houston-area teen accused of plot against Congregation Beth Israel

2 accused in plot to attack Houston synagogue

A North Carolina woman has been arrested after threatening to "kill as many Jews as possible" at a Houston synagogue. A local teen is also accused. FOX 26's Angie Rodriguez has the latest. 

HOUSTON - A North Carolina woman and a Houston-area teen have been charged in an alleged plot against a Houston synagogue.

Woman accused of plot

Big picture view:

Court documents state that 18-year-old Angelina Han Hicks conspired to "kill as many Jews as possible" by driving through Congregation Beth Israel in Houston.

While court records listed April 21, 2028, as the date for the act, Davidson County District Attorney Gary Frank warned that the threat was considered imminent, stating the investigation spans to three states and involves the federal government.

According to the Davidson County Sheriff's Office, Hicks was charged with felony conspiracy to commit assault with a deadly weapon to kill or commit serious injury and felony conspiracy to commit murder.

Ongoing investigation

The backstory:

The sheriff's office says the FBI Charlotte Field Office was notified on Tuesday that Hicks was believed to be planning an attack against members of the Jewish community.

The sheriff's office and the FBI began investigating. Authorities searched her home in Lexington.

The sheriff's office says evidence was found showing that Hicks and co-conspirators were planning a mass-casualty event at Congregation Beth Israel.

Hicks was arrested on Wednesday. Her bond was set at $10 million.

Her next court appearance is scheduled for May 12 in Davidson County District Court.

What they're saying:

In a statement, FBI Charlotte said, "A fast-moving, multistate FBI investigation led to the arrests of one adult and one juvenile accused of planning an attack at a Jewish Day School in Houston, Texas. 18-year-old Angela Hicks is currently facing two state charges brought by the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office in Lexington, North Carolina. A juvenile was charged in Harris County, Texas.  

The FBI Charlotte Joint Terrorism Task Force began the investigation Tuesday evening after a tip to a North Carolina law enforcement agency. This is an exceptional example of when you see something concerning, you say something to law enforcement. We also want to recognize our partners at FBI Houston and in the Jewish community in North Carolina, Texas, and nationwide, including the Jewish Federation for their assistance. 

Angelina Hicks (Photo: Davidson County Sheriff's Office)

Local arrest, security response

Dig deeper:

The Houston Police Department (HPD) confirmed that their Major Offenders Division, alongside the FBI and Alief ISD Police, arrested a 16-year-old suspect in the Houston area. That teenager, who is not being identified, is now charged with conspiracy to commit capital murder.

Congregation Beth Israel, which shares a campus with the Shlenker School, closed its doors on Wednesday following the report of the threats. 

In a statement, the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston praised the quick action of law enforcement: