Post threatening synagogues leads to arrest
Suspect faces false bomb threat and hate crime enhancement
– Police arrested a 36-year-old San Luis Obispo resident Friday in connection with a social media post threatening violence against synagogues.
According to the San Luis Obispo Police Department, detectives arrested Elijah King at about 1:30 p.m. on the 3900 block of S. Higuera and booked him into the San Luis Obispo County Jail. King faces charges of felony false bomb threat under Penal Code 148.1(c) and felony hate crime enhancement under Penal Code 422.75.
The investigation began on Aug. 28 when the Western States Information Network, a law enforcement intelligence agency, notified police of a threatening post on the social media platform X. The post, attributed to King, stated, “I’m going to blow up every synagogue in a 20-mile radius. This is a real threat, call the police and report me for terrorism.” The post was quickly removed by X for violating its terms of service.
Detectives coordinated with the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office and conducted an extensive investigation. The District Attorney filed formal charges against King on Oct. 22.
Police thanked the District Attorney’s Office and members of the local Jewish community for their cooperation and assistance during the investigation.
This remains an active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Marques at (805) 594-8060.
