FBI prevents mass casualty terror attack at Houston Jewish schools, synagogues

A fast-moving, multistate FBI investigation has led to the arrests of an 18-year-old North Carolina woman and a juvenile in Texas after authorities uncovered an alleged plot targeting a Jewish day school and synagogue in Houston.

Angelina Han Hicks, 18, of Lexington, North Carolina, was arrested April 22 by detectives with the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division. Prosecutors allege Hicks conspired with two unidentified individuals to commit murder “against members of the congregation of Beth Israel Synagogue.”

According to court records, Hicks allegedly plotted to carry out an “assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, inflicting serious injury” by “driving through the congregation at a synagogue.”

She is facing state charges of felony conspiracy to commit assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury and felony conspiracy to commit murder. A juvenile was also charged in Harris County, Texas, authorities said.

The FBI Charlotte Joint Terrorism Task Force launched the investigation Tuesday evening after receiving a tip from a North Carolina law enforcement agency, quickly coordinating with FBI Houston and other partners.

“This is an exceptional example of when you see something concerning, you say something to law enforcement,” the FBI said, emphasizing the importance of public reporting in preventing potential violence.

According to the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office, investigators uncovered evidence that Hicks and alleged co-conspirators were planning a mass-casualty attack in Houston, with concerns tied to Congregation Beth Israel and The Shlenker School.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Houston said the threats were initially communicated by the Houston Police Department, prompting precautionary measures.

Officials stressed that the situation remains under investigation but noted that, after discussions with law enforcement, other Jewish institutions in the Houston area were allowed to remain open. “After significant discussions with both the FBI and HPD, we have been advised that it is safe for other local Jewish institutions to remain open,” the federation said, adding that “local law enforcement agencies are increasing patrols around Houston-area Jewish institutions.”

Hicks was taken into custody and initially denied bond before a district court judge later set bond at $10 million. She is scheduled to appear in Davidson County District Court on May 12 and remains in custody at the Davidson County Detention Center.