PONTIAC, Mich. — Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, who is not Jewish, said Thursday that a suspect has been arrested in Wisconsin in connection with threats directed at him, as he warned that antisemitism is becoming increasingly normalized.

Speaking at a press conference providing an update on the investigation into the March 12 attack at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Bouchard said he received a threatening image that included his photograph wearing a yarmulke, along with Jewish symbols such as Payes (sidelocks) and a Star of David. He said the image was intended to threaten and intimidate him.

Sheriff Mike Bouchard shares a picture an individual edited to threaten him: “My point is this though: If this person is emboldened and empowered enough or feels safe enough to do this to me, what does he do to a kid? What does he do to a Jewish family walking down the street?… pic.twitter.com/HcEH29uUJW

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“If someone feels emboldened enough to do this, what does that say about what they might do to others?” Bouchard said. “We have to stand up and say this is unacceptable.”

The sheriff said the attack on Temple Israel, in which a security guard was injured after being struck by a vehicle, underscores the dangers of unchecked antisemitism.

Temple Israel Rabbi Josh Bennett said the injured guard, Danny Phillips, has since been released from the hospital and is recovering at home.

Bouchard urged community members to speak out against antisemitism and said failing to do so allows such behavior to escalate.

Sheriff Mike Bouchard has reported that “between 2020 and 2024 there was a 344% increase in targeted reported incidents against Jewish community and individuals.”

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Rabbi Josh Bennett: “It is a problem for all Americans. And anti-Semitism is a warning sign because when hatred of Jews is tolerated, all of our communities will eventually suffer.”

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Sheriff Mike Bouchard: “So it seems like to me that anti-Semitism and anti-Semitic behavior has become normalized… I don’t care what party you’re in, I don’t care what job you’re in. Whether it’s in public or private venue, we have to stand up and say ‘No, this is unacceptable.’… pic.twitter.com/2gjbPT39lu

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