- Franklin Sechriest of Texas pleaded guilty to a hate crime and arson for setting fire to Congregation Beth Israel synagogue in Austin in October 2021.
- Sechriest admitted to targeting the synagogue because of his hatred of Jews, and his journals contained antisemitic statements and views.
- Surveillance videos captured Sechriest at the synagogue on the night of the arson, carrying a container and toilet paper toward the sanctuary, and later jogging away from the direction of the fire. Sechriest’s journal entry confirmed that he set the synagogue on fire and monitored media reports on the investigation.
- The sentencing is set for June 23. Sechriest faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Read More
Menu
