The FBI, assisted by several sheriff and police departments, arrested a man in Alabama on Monday after finding he had allegedly made "credible threats of violence against multiple synagogues throughout Alabama and surrounding states," the Clarke County Sheriff's Office announced on Tuesday.
Law enforcement arrested Jeremy Wayne Shoemaker, residing in Needham, Alabama, and seized several guns, more than a suitcase full of ammunition, body armor, and "other items related to the plans of violence," the sheriff's office added.
Further investigation into Shoemaker's plans indicated that he had "intentions of not being taken alive," and was "possibly planning attacks on public figures," sheriffs added.
"He had stockpiled some ammunition, some of it was old, some of it was new," Clarke County Sheriff DeWayne Smith told a local Fox News affiliate.
"He had a newly purchased assault rifle, he had extended magazines which were loaded, and the way that the ammo was fixed was like he was ready to go and utilize it somewhere," Smith added.
"He had planned to shoot it out with the police, but, due to tactics, he was unable to do so," Smith continued, noting that bruises seen in Shoemaker's mugshot were sustained while he resisted arrest.
Shoemaker was arrested for "local charges of resisting arrest and certain persons forbidden to possess a firearm," CNN reported.
Federal charges are "likely," officials were cited by CNN as saying, but it is unclear whether Shoemaker will face hate crime charges.
ADL: 'Chilling reminder of persistent threat of antisemitic extremism'
The Anti-Defamation League's Southeast chapter's David Hoffman issued a statement on the incident.
"We commend the swift and coordinated action of the FBI, Clarke County Sheriff's Office, and other law enforcement agencies in preventing what could have been a horrific act of antisemitic violence targeting synagogues across Alabama and neighboring states," Hoffman wrote.
The incident is a "chilling reminder of the persistent threat of antisemitic extremism. No one should ever fear for their safety while gathering in prayer or community," he added.
Shoemaker is due to appear for a court hearing on November 7, Fox News reported.