Utah Man Charged with Attempted Hate Crime for Alleged Synagogue Bomb Threat

A Utah man has been federally indicted on multiple charges, including attempting to commit a hate crime, after allegedly threatening to bomb a synagogue.

Skyler AJ Rose, 22, of Ogden, was charged by a federal grand jury on Wednesday with offenses including possession of an unregistered destructive device, threatening to kill or injure people, and destroying a building with an explosive. Prosecutors also allege he attempted to commit a hate crime.

"There is no place for hate motivated violence—attempts or otherwise—in our communities. A place of worship should be a refuge of safety, not fear," U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak for the District of Utah stated. "Let these charges serve as a clear warning: if you attack or attempt to attack a place of worship, you will face the full force of the federal government."

According to court documents, Rose allegedly made threatening posts on social media on December 23, 2025, including the statement, "I wanna blow up a synagogue."

An investigation traced the social media posts to an IP address at Rose's home. Agents from the FBI, with assistance from the Ogden City Police Department, confirmed the online account belonged to Rose. A subsequent search warrant executed at his residence uncovered six improvised explosive pipe bombs, one inert device, and materials that could be used to construct additional bombs. Authorities also found two rifles with ammunition and magazines, as well as a cellphone.

Investigators reportedly found evidence on Rose's cellphone indicating he had searched online for a synagogue near his location in November 2025. The indictment also includes charges for receipt and possession of child pornography, stemming from evidence found on the cellphone.

"Today’s indictment stops in its tracks an alleged plan to carry out a violent attack on a synagogue," said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. "The Department of Justice will take decisive action to protect American worshippers from violent threats, no matter where they occur."

Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls of the Salt Lake City FBI added, "Every person deserves to worship freely, without threats, intimidation, or fear. The FBI takes every threat seriously."

Rose's initial court appearance is scheduled for October 23 in federal court in Salt Lake City.