Cody Steven Rush, Threatening a Place of Worship, Missouri 2021

St. Louis Man Threatens Synagogue, Pleads Guilty

A St. Louis man has admitted to making a series of threats against a local synagogue in 2021. Cody Steven Rush, 30, pleaded guilty on Monday to using a telephone and instrument of interstate commerce to make a threat against the Central Reform Congregation in St. Louis.

According to court documents, Rush made multiple calls to the FBI office in St. Louis, stating that he would blow up the synagogue and kill Jews. He even provided his location, which was on the same street as the synagogue.

Rush's threats escalated over the course of several calls, with him stating that he would take action the next morning, when people were inside, and that he hated Jewish people. He also called back later and threatened to attack the synagogue 'while they are in service.'

When authorities called Rush back, he again made threats, stating 'I am feeling suicidal and homicidal. I just feel like killing Jews.' He was subsequently arrested without incident.

The case was investigated by the FBI, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police, and the St. Louis County Police. Rush is scheduled to be sentenced on November 8 and faces up to 10 years in prison for the charge.

The incident has raised concerns about hate crimes and anti-Semitism in the St. Louis community. The Central Reform Congregation has released a statement condemning the threats and expressing gratitude for the swift action taken by law enforcement.

Rush's guilty plea serves as a reminder of the importance of reporting and addressing hate crimes. If you or someone you know has been a victim of a hate crime, there are resources available to help.

The FBI and local law enforcement agencies are urging anyone with information about hate crimes to come forward.

Defendant Information:

Name: Cody Steven Rush

Age: 30

City: St. Louis, MO

Criminal Charges: Use of a telephone and instrument of interstate commerce to make a threat

Date: November 5, 2021 (crime date)

Sentence: Up to 10 years in prison (scheduled sentencing for November 8)

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmo/pr/st-louis-man-admits-threatening-blow-st-louis-synagogue