VENICE, Fla. — The Venice Police Department (VPD) said the threat to the Jewish Congregation of Venice was determined to be a hoax.
According to ABC, a rash of swatting and bomb scares is sweeping the nation on Tuesday, according to a law enforcement source briefed on the situation. The hoaxes are targeting schools, colleges, and Jewish institutions. Many of the calls include the sound of gunfire.
WATCH: Threat at Jewish Congregation of Venice deemed 'swatting' hoax: Police
Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to a reported threat at the Jewish Congregation of Venice on Auburn Road on Tuesday, according to a City of Venice spokesperson.
Venice police were notified about the Jewish Congregation of Venice receiving phone calls threatening to "kill everyone."
At 1:30 p.m., VPD said they cleared the scene.
The threatening call was determined to be a "swatting" call, and VPD said other calls have been placed at congregations in the surrounding area.
Around the same time as the Venice threat, police in Tampa responded to a similar threat on Swann Avenue.
Florida Holocaust Museum President and CEO Eric Stillman described the reported threats as “a punch in the gut.”
He said incidents like those, even when no one is physically harmed, are designed to intimidate and disrupt the way people worship.
“It is all too real, and it is out of control," he said.
The threats come just days after a Punta Gorda man was charged with arson following a fire at a Jewish center in Charlotte County.
Stillman said Jewish institutions are already on high alert, and now, security is being stepped up even more.
"Everyday vigilance is already expected. Now, we have this heightened level of vigilance,” he said.
The Florida Holocaust Museum recently upgraded security during a renovation, including a new lobby entrance, in response to ongoing concerns about anti-Semitic attacks.
In Venice, police say they are closely monitoring the synagogue, especially with Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, beginning on Wednesday.
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